Head of Risk Management — Crypto Exchange (UAE, Abu Dhabi)
On-site | Abu Dhabi | Fintech / Crypto | Senior Leadership
About the Opportunity
We are a recruitment partner supporting a fintech company in the final stages of launching a regulated cryptocurrency exchange in the UAE (CMA licence).
The company is backed by experienced founders who have already built and scaled a profitable crypto exchange in another region. They are now expanding into the UAE market with a clear 5-year strategy and long-term ambition, including a potential IPO.
As part of the licensing process, the company is building its core leadership team and is looking for a Head of Risk Management - a critical leadership role responsible for building the risk function from the ground up and engaging directly with the regulator.
Why This Role Is Unique
Build the risk management function from scratch in a regulated crypto exchange
Work directly with the UAE regulator (CMA) as part of the licensing process
Join at an early stage with strong backing and a proven business model
High level of ownership and influence on company-wide decision-making
Relocation support, visa sponsorship, and housing assistance
What You Will Be Doing
Risk Strategy & Governance
Build and lead the enterprise risk management function from the ground up
Develop Risk Management Framework, Risk Appetite Statement, and internal policies
Establish governance, reporting lines, and escalation processes
Provide independent oversight of risk across the organisation
Risk Identification & Monitoring
Identify and manage key risks: operational, market, liquidity, regulatory, cyber, financial crime
Maintain and continuously update the risk register
Define and monitor key risk indicators (KRIs)
Conduct risk assessments for new products and strategic initiatives
Crypto & Market Risk
Assess risks related to digital assets, including volatility, liquidity, custody, and trading
Monitor exposure to counterparties, exchanges, and liquidity providers
Evaluate token listing risks and onboarding of new assets
Operational Risk & Controls
Strengthen internal control environment across business processes
Oversee incident management, root cause analysis, and remediation
Support business continuity and disaster recovery frameworks
Promote risk awareness across teams
Regulatory Interaction
Ensure alignment with CMA requirements and licensing conditions
Prepare risk reports for senior management, Board, and regulator
Support regulatory reviews, audits, and inspections
Work closely with Compliance, Finance, IT, and Security teams
Stress Testing & Scenario Analysis
Develop stress testing frameworks tailored to crypto market conditions
Assess liquidity and capital resilience under adverse scenarios
Provide actionable recommendations to leadership
What We Are Looking For
10+ years of experience in risk management (banking, fintech, payments, brokerage, or crypto)
At least 3 years in a licensed financial institution, fintech, or crypto exchange
Strong experience in a regulated financial environment
Proven track record of building or managing enterprise risk frameworks
Solid understanding of market, operational, and digital asset risks
Experience working with regulators (ideally CMA / UAE or equivalent)
Strong analytical thinking and ability to communicate complex risks clearly
Fluent English
Nice to have
Experience in crypto exchanges or digital assets
Direct involvement in licensing or regulatory approval processes
Familiarity with custody solutions and trading infrastructure
Arabic language skills
Location & Conditions
📍 Abu Dhabi, UAE - on-site role
🏠 Relocation support: visa sponsorship, residence assistance, housing support
💰 Competitive compensation, discussed individually
Why Join Us
Rare opportunity to shape a risk function at a regulated crypto exchange from day one
Direct exposure to the regulator and executive leadership from the start
Join a business with a proven foundation, clear 5-year growth plan, and IPO ambition
Be part of a lean, experienced team where your decisions genuinely matter
Please note: this role is subject to regulatory approval. Certain nationality restrictions may apply due to regulatory requirements.