Team Lead — Compliance Monitoring, Assurance & Testing (CMAT) at Binance in Abu Dhabi

Job description

The Team Lead for the Compliance Monitoring, Assurance & Testing (CMAT) team is responsible for designing and running Binance ADGM's independent, risk-based compliance monitoring and assurance programme. The role assures the Board, Senior Management and the FSRA that the firm's AML/CFT, market conduct, client-asset, and prudential controls are operating effectively and remain compliant with the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) rulebooks and applicable UAE federal requirements. This is a senior second-line-of-defence leadership role accountable for the disciplined testing of controls, timely escalation of findings, and evidence-based regulatory reporting that stands up to FSRA supervisory scrutiny. Responsibilities Compliance Monitoring & Testing Programme • Own and maintain a risk-based annual Compliance Monitoring & Assurance Plan (CMAP), refreshed on risk assessment outcomes, FSRA thematic reviews, and changes in regulatory posture. • Design and execute control testing across AML/CFT, sanctions, market abuse, client-asset safeguarding, complaint handling, outsourcing, and technology/cyber governance. • Apply full-cycle assurance methodology: scoping → walkthroughs → sampling → testing → root-cause analysis → findings rating → remediation tracking → closure validation. • Deliver thematic deep-dives aligned to FSRA supervisory priorities (e.g., transaction monitoring effectiveness, Travel Rule compliance, EDD for high-risk clients, market abuse surveillance). Regulatory Alignment (FSRA) • Ensure monitoring activities map to the FSRA AML/CFT Rulebook, Conduct of Business (COBS), General (GEN), Prudential (PRU), and Virtual Asset framework obligations. • Support the Compliance Officer and MLRO in demonstrating effective oversight under FSRA's risk-based supervision model. • Maintain evidence trails that satisfy FSRA information requests, on-site inspections, and thematic reviews. • Monitor regulatory change (FSRA consultations, ADGM notices, UAE Federal Decree-Law 20/2018 and its Executive Regulations, MoE/EO AML guidance) and reflect updates in the plan. Findings, Reporting & Escalation • Produce clear, board-ready assurance reports with quantified findings, severity ratings, and management action plans. • Operate a robust issue-management and remediation-tracking framework with escalation protocols for overdue or high-risk items. • Present monitoring results to Risk Committees, Compliance Committees, and where required the Board/Audit Committee. • Liaise with Internal Audit and external auditors to ensure complementary (non-duplicative) coverage. AML/CFT & Financial Crime Assurance • Test the effectiveness of CDD/EDD, KYC onboarding, periodic review, PEP/sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and SAR/STR escalation processes. • Assess suspicious activity identification and reporting effectiveness, including FIU-UAE submission quality. • Verify Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) and asset-freeze controls. Leadership & Team Management • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing assurance team — setting testing standards, quality review, and coaching. • Foster a culture of challenge, professional scepticism, and integrity, consistent with SMCR conduct expectations. • Manage resource allocation against the CMAP and ensure delivery within agreed SLAs. Governance & Continuous Improvement • Maintain CMAT policies, methodologies, and documentation to an auditable standard. • Drive automation and data analytics to strengthen monitoring coverage and efficiency. • Embed lessons learned into first- and second-line processes and training. Requirements Essential • 7–10+ years in compliance, assurance, internal audit, or regulatory supervision within financial services, fintech, preferably within crypto/VASP environments. • 3+ years leading teams or workstreams in a second-line or audit function. • Strong working knowledge of ADGM FSRA rulebooks and the UAE AML/CFT landscape; comparable MAS, HKMA, FCA, or DIFC/DFSA e