Senior Manager, Financial Intelligence Unit

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

📋 Description

• Protect Circle’s integrity by spearheading financial crime investigations and intelligence initiatives throughout the UAE and the wider MEA region.

• Detect, evaluate, and report on suspicious activities while ensuring adherence to AML and sanctions regulations.

• Work collaboratively with global FIU and compliance teams, product stakeholders, and regional regulatory authorities.

• Improve detection capabilities, respond to changing typologies, and ensure that Circle upholds the highest standards of integrity and compliance excellence in the region.

• Create and implement compliance frameworks specific to the MEA region, aligning with both local regulations (CBUAE, VARA) and international standards.

• Lead extensive financial crime risk assessments to pinpoint regional vulnerabilities, ensuring Circle’s risk appetite and controls are attuned to MEA’s changing landscape.

• Collaborate cross-functionally within Financial Crime Compliance, offering expert assistance across broader compliance areas including Sanctions, KYC, and Transaction Monitoring.

• Manage and conduct intricate investigations into potential financial crimes and suspicious activities, utilizing in-depth knowledge of major local markets to interpret regional transaction trends and behaviors.

• Review and scrutinize complex transaction data utilizing blockchain analytics tools, identifying illicit activity patterns distinctive to the Middle East and virtual asset markets.

• Act as a primary liaison for regional regulators, law enforcement, and industry organizations.

• Fortify the Second Line of Defense (2LoD) by devising oversight processes, escalation protocols, and impactful training programs for regional analysts.

• Partner with global product and engineering teams to improve automated monitoring tools and rulesets based on regional risk profiles.

⛳️ Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in conducting intricate financial crime investigations, with at least 2 years in fintech or native virtual asset environments.

• Demonstrated experience navigating the regulatory landscape of the MEA and a detailed understanding of the local financial ecosystem.

• A professional background that extends beyond investigations to include broader compliance areas such as Transaction Monitoring, KYC framework design, and regulatory advisory.

• Proficiency in blockchain forensic tools, including TRM Labs and Elliptic, with the capacity to convert complex data into practical compliance strategies.

• Ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external regulators, serving as a credible subject matter expert in the MEA market.

• In-depth knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations and regional regulatory frameworks, including the requirements from the UAE FIU and the ADGM.

• Strong understanding of regional virtual asset typologies and risks within the Middle East and North Africa.

• Practical experience utilizing blockchain analytics and transaction monitoring systems to detect suspicious activities.

• Proven ability to write and review high-quality investigative reports and regulatory submissions, including SARs.

• Exceptional analytical and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex data into clear, actionable insights.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible work environment

• Professional development opportunities

• Health insurance