Role overview

Coinbase is seeking an experienced compliance leader to establish and manage the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) function for its Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) subsidiary. This is a founding role that will build the Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing compliance program from the ground up in a rapidly growing market. You will work directly with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to shape regulatory strategy while supporting the company’s mission to expand economic freedom through cryptocurrency innovation.

Key responsibilities

Identify and document all AML/CTF/PF and Sanctions requirements applicable to the ADGM entity, develop and maintain comprehensive policies and procedures, and ensure the organization remains compliant as regulations and business needs evolve.
Monitor regulatory developments from the FSRA and broader UAE financial services authorities, then lead implementation of compliance changes across internal stakeholders.
Provide regular compliance program updates to senior management and the Board, promptly escalate incidents and material compliance issues, and oversee mandatory AML/CTF/PF training for local staff and Board members.
Lead all day-to-day regulatory communications with the FSRA, including formal notifications and comment letters, and conduct comprehensive AML/CTF/PF risk assessments to validate the effectiveness of existing systems and controls.
Own the timely resolution of findings identified through internal audits, regulatory examinations, and self-assessment processes.
Collaborate with Compliance and Product teams to integrate compliance requirements into new products and market expansions, while coordinating with global compliance teams to maintain consistent standards and controls across jurisdictions.

Requirements

Possess a minimum of five years of direct experience in AML/CTF/PF compliance, including time in senior leadership positions.
Demonstrate deep knowledge of UAE and Abu Dhabi financial services regulations and AML requirements, with proven experience conducting locally mandated regulatory examinations and communicating directly with the FSRA or equivalent regulators.
Provide evidence of independently managing compliance program operations at scale, including overseeing regulatory audits and examinations.
Demonstrate a track record of building compliance programs from inception, including designing and implementing internal controls while working with remote global teams and cross-functional business leadership.
Show proven capability in engaging directly with regulators, external vendors, and diverse internal stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions; prior cryptocurrency or fintech experience is preferred.
Demonstrate responsible use of generative AI tools to enhance business outputs while maintaining appropriate human oversight and delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and quality.

What makes this role worth considering

This is a foundational position where you will directly shape Coinbase’s compliance infrastructure and regulatory relationships in a high-growth cryptocurrency market. The role offers the opportunity to build a program from the ground up while receiving support from Coinbase’s established global compliance organization, and you will work closely with senior leadership and the Board on strategic compliance decisions that influence the company’s expansion strategy in the ADGM.