Chief Compliance and Risk Officer - Crypto & Digital Asset Management (AM) – London or Abu Dhabi
**this role can be based in London, UK or Abu Dhabi**
A leading institutional digital asset manager operating at the forefront of the UK and global cryptocurrency markets is seeking an accomplished Chief Compliance and Risk Officer to join its senior leadership team.
Our client specialises in market making, crypto algorithmic trading, custody, and institutional asset management, delivering institutional-grade solutions across multiple regulated jurisdictions. With a strong focus on innovation, governance, and regulatory excellence, the organisation is scaling rapidly within a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. With licences with the BMA and FRSA of the ADGM there are plans for continual growth across international markets.
The Opportunity
This is a C-suite level role with global responsibility for compliance, AML, and risk oversight across multiple jurisdictions. The successful candidate will act as a strategic partner to the Board and executive management, ensuring the firm operates to the highest regulatory, ethical, and risk management standards.
The role is ideal for a senior compliance leader with deep digital asset expertise, strong regulatory credibility, and experience acting as MLRO in regulated environments.
Key Responsibilities for the Chief Compliance and Risk Officer - Crypto and Digital AM role:
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Provide strategic oversight of the global compliance and risk framework
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Board, senior leadership, and key stakeholders
- Foster a strong culture of compliance and risk awareness across the organisation
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
- Lead multi-jurisdictional compliance programmes across the UK, Europe, and other regulated regions
- Serve as the primary point of contact with regulators and supervisory authorities
- Oversee licensing, regulatory submissions, audits, and regulatory examinations
AML / Financial Crime
- Design, implement, and maintain a robust AML/CFT framework tailored to digital assets
- Act as Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) where required
- Oversee transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and blockchain analytics
- Investigate and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) as required
Risk Management & Controls
- Conduct enterprise-wide compliance and financial crime risk assessments
- Maintain risk registers, key risk indicators (KRIs), and incident management processes
- Ensure strong internal controls aligned to the Three Lines of Defence model
Policy, Monitoring & Assurance
- Own the global compliance framework and policy lifecycle
- Lead compliance monitoring, testing, and thematic reviews
- Coordinate external independent reviews and remediation programmes
Training & Culture
- Develop and deliver compliance and AML training across the organisation
- Promote awareness of regulatory obligations, ethical standards, and best practice
Experience & Qualifications for the Chief Compliance and Risk Officer - Crypto and Digital AM role:
- Significant experience in senior compliance leadership roles within financial services, experience in working with the ADGM and the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) would be highly desirable.
- Strong background in digital assets, crypto, or fintech environments
- Proven experience acting as a multi-country MLRO in a regulated business
- Deep knowledge of AML/CFT regulations, financial crime prevention, and regulatory frameworks
- Experience managing multi-jurisdictional compliance programmes
- Strong understanding of blockchain technology, crypto markets, and digital asset operations
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
Technical & Professional Requirements
- Professional compliance or AML certification (e.G. CAMS, ICA, or equivalent) highly desirable
- Experience with compliance monitoring systems, GRC tools, and blockchain analytics platforms
- Excellent stakeholder management and Board-level communication skills
Personal Attributes
- High integrity and strong ethical judgement
- Strategic mindset with hands-on execution capability
- Confident, resilient, and comfortable navigating regulatory complexity
- Collaborative leader with the ability to influence at all levels
If you are an experienced Compliance and Risk leader, with a background in working with multiple international regulated entities across the Digital Asset / Crypto space, then please apply now with your latest cv.
