Associate Director- Licensing & Supervision

Job Title: Associate Director Licensing and Supervision

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sector: Virtual Assets / Regulatory Compliance / Government

About the Role

A Dubai government-owned regulatory entity is seeking a highly skilled Associate Director Licensing and Supervision to lead a core function responsible for regulating and overseeing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). This leadership position plays a key role in upholding regulatory standards, ensuring compliance, and driving quality assurance across licensing and supervision operations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Quality Assurance

• Lead and mentor a team of case managers and officers in reviewing licensing applications and supervising licensed VASPs.

• Ensure high standards of quality control across outputs, maintain accurate records, and provide actionable guidance to teams.

• Organise and lead training initiatives, capacity planning, and stakeholder engagement with regulated entities.

Regulatory Frameworks & Compliance

• Oversee the development and enhancement of internal regulatory frameworks, policies, templates, and risk assessment tools.

• Support the creation of onboarding and training materials to keep staff aligned with international regulatory trends.

• Ensure governance structures and due diligence processes reflect evolving industry and compliance standards.

Licensing Management

• Manage the full licensing lifecyclefrom application reviews and enhanced due diligence to license issuance, renewals, and amendments.

• Provide expert oversight on risk-based licensing decisions aligned with the regulatory framework.

• Collaborate with finance and legal teams on application-related matters.

Supervisory Oversight & Enforcement

• Develop and execute risk-based supervisory plans, including on-site and off-site reviews of VASP operations.

• Monitor compliance with financial obligations, marketing approvals, and regulatory requirements.

• Lead investigations into regulatory breaches and propose appropriate enforcement actions in coordination with legal teams.

Other Responsibilities

• Handle confidential matters with discretion and uphold the highest ethical standards.

• Support strategic initiatives and contribute to organisational development across the division.

Candidate Profile

• 810+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, licensing, or financial supervision, preferably within a government, regulatory, or financial technology environment.

• Strong understanding of international best practices for virtual assets and risk-based supervisory approaches.

• Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing cross-functional teams.

• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to work in a dynamic regulatory environment with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

To Apply:
Please submit your CV  detailing your experience in regulatory oversight and virtual asset compliance. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.