Head of Compliance, MLRO

Alpaca

Head of Compliance leading a framework for Alpaca's twin ADGM licences. Ensuring regulatory compliance and oversight for a high-velocity brokerage.

Posted 4/30/2026full-timeRemote • 🇦🇪 United Arab EmiratesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Establish and lead a “compliance-by-design” framework that keeps Alpaca’s twin ADGM licences, Category 3A and 3B, in pristine regulatory standing.
Chair the internal Compliance Committee and deliver quarterly reports to the Board.
Keep a live register of all FSRA rules and update policies.
Own the AML/CFT programme, conduct annual business-risk assessments.
Maintain the Accepted Virtual Asset list, oversee blockchain-analytics, and ensure compliance with FSRA requirements.
Run a risk-based monitoring plan, complete thematic reviews, and store evidence for inspections.
Specify and integrate KYC/AML engines and trade-surveillance tools.
File all periodic and ad-hoc FSRA returns on time; act as single point of contact for enforcement queries.
Deliver annual AML and rules refreshers; maintain logs for 6 years.
Maintain the breach register and oversee remediation.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s in Law, Finance or Business PLUS a recognised compliance credential (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, CISI Global Financial Compliance).
UAE Financial Rules & Regulations exam (CISI/ADGM Academy)
CISI Global Financial Compliance (or equivalent)
≥ 7 years in compliance/AML at a broker-dealer, custodian or VASP, with ≥ 3 years in a senior regulated capacity; clean audit / enforcement record.
Deep knowledge of GEN, COBS, PRU, AML Rulebook (incl. Travel Rule), and FSRA Virtual-Asset Guidance.
Full-time, independent function as required by Condition 7.
Fluent in English and Arabic.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive Salary & Stock Options
Health Benefits
New Hire Home-Office Setup: One-time USD $500
Monthly Stipend: USD $150 per month via a Brex Card

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

compliance-by-design frameworkAML/CFT programmeKYC/AML enginestrade-surveillance toolsbusiness-risk assessmentsrisk-based monitoringthematic reviewsblockchain-analyticsFSRA rulesregulatory compliance

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationorganizational skillsreportingproblem-solvingattention to detailstakeholder managementanalytical thinkingcollaborationdecision-making

Certifications

Bachelor’s in LawBachelor’s in FinanceBachelor’s in BusinessICAACAMSCISI Global Financial ComplianceUAE Financial Rules & Regulations examCISI/ADGM Academy certificationcompliance credentialsenior regulated capacity certification