Senior Compliance Operations Specialist

About the role

Bybit is looking for a Senior Compliance Operations Specialist to join its team based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This position centers on building and maintaining the compliance infrastructure that supports the company's digital asset trading and financial services operations in the region. The specialist will ensure that all business activities conducted from the Abu Dhabi office meet the regulatory standards set by UAE authorities and international bodies. Working alongside legal, risk, and operations teams, the incumbent will help shape the compliance culture and operational discipline that Bybit maintains across its global footprint.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage daily compliance operations for the Abu Dhabi office, ensuring all activities align with UAE regulatory requirements and internal company policies.
• Design and roll out compliance frameworks that address the unique regulatory challenges of operating a digital asset exchange in the Middle East.
• Review customer onboarding documentation and transaction records to detect potential compliance gaps, unusual patterns, or signs of financial crime.
• Draft and update standard operating procedures for compliance-related workflows, making them clear and actionable for teams across the organization.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for local regulatory authorities, responding to information requests, examinations, and inquiries with accurate and timely documentation.
• Lead internal compliance reviews and audits across all business units, assessing whether each team follows established policies and identifying areas for meaningful improvement.
• Deliver training sessions and workshops to employees at all levels, covering topics such as anti-money laundering, know-your-customer protocols, and sanctions screening.
• Partner with the legal department to evaluate new products, services, and partnerships for regulatory feasibility and compliance readiness before launch.
• Track legislative and regulatory developments in the UAE and across the Gulf region, translating changes into practical updates for internal processes.
• Support the global compliance team by sharing regional insights, coordinating policy rollouts, and contributing to the development of company-wide compliance standards.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in law, finance, business administration, or a closely related discipline is a mandatory qualification for this senior role.
• At least five years of professional experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, risk management, or a similar function within the financial services sector.
• In-depth understanding of United Arab Emirates financial regulations, including anti-money laundering statutes and counter-terrorism financing requirements.
• Prior exposure to the cryptocurrency or digital asset industry, with awareness of the regulatory expectations for exchanges and trading platforms.
• Strong ability to analyze complex regulatory documents and translate legal requirements into concrete operational procedures that teams can follow.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with Arabic language proficiency considered a valuable asset.
• Demonstrated experience in managing compliance programs, setting priorities, and guiding team members through regulatory change and evolving obligations.
• A self-directed professional who can handle multiple concurrent projects, meet strict deadlines, and exercise sound judgment under pressure.

Nice to have

• An advanced degree or a recognized compliance certification such as CAMS, Certified Fraud Examiner, or Chartered Financial Analyst.
• Experience engaging directly with financial regulatory bodies or supervisory authorities within the Gulf Cooperation Council or broader Middle East.
• Familiarity with data protection and privacy regulations and how they intersect with day-to-day compliance operations in financial services.
• Hands-on experience with compliance technology platforms, regulatory reporting software, or automated monitoring tools used in the industry.

Skills & tools

• Regulatory analysis and risk assessment methodologies for financial services environments
• Compliance monitoring, reporting frameworks, and internal control design
• UAE financial services regulations, AML/KYC procedures, and sanctions screening protocols
• Transaction monitoring techniques and suspicious activity reporting workflows
• Internal audit methodologies and continuous process improvement practices
• Regulatory document drafting, policy authoring, and cross-functional stakeholder communication
• Regulatory technology evaluation and implementation for compliance automation

Practical notes

• This position is headquartered in Bybit's Abu Dhabi office and requires regular on-site attendance during standard working hours.
• All candidates will undergo a thorough background screening and verification of their educational and professional credentials before an offer is extended.
• Bybit provides a competitive total rewards package along with access to ongoing learning and career growth opportunities in the compliance domain.
• The Senior Compliance Operations Specialist reports to the regional compliance leadership and collaborates closely with the global compliance organization.
• Bybit is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where compliance professionals can grow their careers and contribute meaningfully to the organization's broader mission.

About the company

Bybit Fintech Limited, known as Bybit, is a Dubai based centralized cryptocurrency exchange. The platform has faced regulatory warnings in several jurisdictions.