Summary

Your mission is to support the establishment of an internal audit function within the UAE, ensuring compliance with local regulatory frameworks, including the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). With experience conducting audits within the UAE and the wider Middle East, in either Arabic or English, you bring a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance, risk management, and financial integrity.

In addition to audit activities, you will contribute to product development processes by integrating audit insights to enhance regulatory compliance and operational resilience. Your focus on efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation enables you to take a solution-oriented approach. You are adaptable to evolving regulatory landscapes and open to occasional travel across the GCC region.

What You’ll Do

1. Develop and implement an internal audit strategy and planning for the UAE and wider GCC markets, aligning with local financial and regulatory requirements, including VARA and UAE Central Bank regulations.
2. Support the transition from outsourced to in-house audit processes, ensuring a seamless and efficient integration of audit practices within the organisation.
3. Conduct risk-based internal audits, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending enhancements to improve operational resilience.
4. Provide audit insights during product and service development to enhance regulatory compliance, particularly in digital assets, fintech, and financial services.
5. Ensure adherence to UAE’s evolving financial and digital asset regulatory landscape, staying updated on VARA, ADGM, DFSA, and UAE Central Bank regulations.

Who You Are

1. Audit professional with 5+ years of experience in internal or external audit, risk management, or compliance, preferably within financial services, fintech, or digital assets.
2. Strong understanding of UAE’s regulatory environment, including experience with VARA, the UAE Central Bank, DFSA, or ADGM financial regulations.
3. Holds or is working towards a relevant certification such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CRMA (Certified Risk Management Auditor), or ACCA.
4. Proficient in both Arabic and English, enabling effective communication and collaboration with local regulators, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.

Skills

• Auditing
• Communications Skills
• Compliance Knowledge
• Strategic Thinking
• Team Collaboration