Executive Director / General Manager – Crypto Exchange / Dubai

Job Description

About the Company

Our client is a newly established virtual asset exchange headquartered in Dubai and currently in the process of obtaining a license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The company’s objective is to build a secure, compliant, and scalable digital asset trading platform that meets institutional-grade standards while serving both regional and global markets.

Role Overview

The Executive Director holds overall responsibility for the management, operations, and regulatory compliance of the virtual asset exchange. Acting under the direction and oversight of the Board, the Executive Director is fully accountable for the day-to-day business, governance, and operational integrity of the firm.

This role is central to ensuring the VASP operates in a safe, compliant, and well-governed manner, in full alignment with VARA regulations and applicable UAE laws, while executing the strategic objectives approved by the Board.

The ideal candidate combines deep crypto and digital asset industry expertise with hands-on operational leadership and strong regulatory experience, alongside the maturity and credibility to represent the firm with regulators, banking partners, and institutional stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Execution & Implementation

• Execute the Board-approved vision, strategy, and operating model of the exchange.
• Implement and maintain internal policies, procedural rules, and governance frameworks as approved by the Board.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the VASP in line with approved objectives, risk appetite, and regulatory expectations.

Regulatory Compliance & Controls

• Lead and coordinate the VARA licensing process and maintain ongoing regulatory engagement.
• Ensure continuous compliance with applicable UAE laws, VARA regulations, and licensing conditions.
• Embed a strong compliance culture across the organisation, overseeing AML/CFT, sanctions compliance, regulatory reporting, and internal control frameworks.

Operational & Organisational Management

• Establish and maintain clear operational policies, procedures, authorisation matrices, and reporting lines.
• Lead operational management across compliance, risk, finance, technology, product, and customer operations.
• Monitor performance against agreed KPIs, risk indicators, and control metrics.

Business Development & Financial Accountability

• Hold overall responsibility for the company’s profit and loss (P&L), including revenue growth, cost control, and financial performance.
• Execute the Board-approved commercial and growth strategy.
• Lead business development initiatives and strategic partnerships with institutional clients, banks, liquidity providers, and payment partners.
• Identify and develop sustainable revenue opportunities aligned with regulatory requirements and the firm’s risk appetite.
• Balance commercial objectives with operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Reporting, Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure effective reporting, record-keeping, and document retention in line with regulatory expectations.
• Prepare and submit regular management, compliance, and risk reports to the Board.
• Act as the primary management-level interface between the Board, senior management, and operational teams.
• Build, lead, and retain a competent leadership team, ensuring staff fitness, training, and ongoing fit-and-proper standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 10+ years’ experience in financial services, fintech, or crypto, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role (Executive Director, CEO, COO, or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of crypto trading, blockchain ecosystems, market infrastructure, and digital asset regulation.
• Proven experience managing regulatory licensing processes, compliance frameworks, and governance structures.
• Demonstrated strength in operational leadership, risk oversight, and cross-functional management.
• Executive-level communication skills with credibility in engagements with boards, regulators, and institutional partners.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performance teams.
• Valid UAE residence visa and work permit.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience engaging with VARA, ADGM, or comparable global regulatory regimes.
• UAE or GCC market experience with an established professional network.
• Advanced degree in business, finance, engineering, law, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications (e.g. CFA, CPA, CAMS) are advantageous.

Why Join Our Client

Our client offers the opportunity to join a regulated virtual asset business operating within one of the world’s most progressive digital asset jurisdictions. The firm is building a compliance-first, institution-ready platform with a long-term focus on governance, stability, and sustainable growth.

What They Offer

• A professional, well-governed working environment aligned with VARA and UAE regulatory standards.
• Competitive remuneration, aligned with experience and responsibility.
• Comprehensive health insurance in line with UAE requirements.
• Annual paid leave and UAE public holidays in accordance with UAE Labour Law.
• A collaborative culture focused on accountability, integrity, and long-term sustainability.
• Professional indemnity insurance coverage.