Operations Manager – Digital Assets/Crypto

Company Overview

The company is a UAE‑born digital assets platform operating within the local institutional ecosystem. Its platform and operating model are designed to facilitate the structured, long‑term integration of digital asset markets into the UAE financial system. The organization follows an institutional approach that emphasizes accountability, regulatory clarity, and alignment with the UAE’s national digital economy objectives. Currently, it is working with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to obtain a license for regulated virtual‑asset exchange and broker‑dealer services. Operations will commence once full regulatory approval is granted.

Key Responsibilities

Design, implement, and oversee end‑to‑end operational processes for digital‑asset trading, custody, and settlement.
Coordinate closely with compliance, legal, and risk teams to ensure all activities meet VARA and other relevant regulatory requirements.
Develop and maintain SOPs, escalation matrices, and incident‑response protocols for the crypto‑related business line.
Lead a cross‑functional operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance.
Monitor and optimise performance metrics (e.g., trade latency, settlement time, error rates) to achieve service‑level targets.
Manage relationships with external vendors, custodians, and technology providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring service quality.
Drive the onboarding of new digital‑asset products, including token listings, market‑making arrangements, and liquidity‑provision strategies.
Prepare regular operational reports for senior leadership and regulatory bodies, highlighting risk exposures, compliance status, and operational efficiency.
Assist in the development of business continuity and disaster‑recovery plans specific to digital‑asset infrastructure.
Stay abreast of global best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory trends in the crypto space, recommending enhancements to the operating model.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CAMS, ISO 27001) is a plus.
Strong understanding of digital‑asset markets, blockchain technology, and crypto‑exchange operations.
Demonstrated knowledge of UAE financial regulations, particularly VARA guidelines, and experience working within a regulated financial services environment.
Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a data‑driven decision‑making approach.
Proven leadership and team‑management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—in English; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to regulatory compliance.

Desired Experience

5+ years of experience in operations within financial services, fintech, or crypto‑related firms.
Hands‑on experience managing end‑to‑end processes for a digital‑asset exchange, broker‑dealer, or custodial service.
Track record of implementing operational risk frameworks, AML/KYC procedures, and regulatory reporting mechanisms.
Experience with trading platforms, order‑management systems, and blockchain infrastructure (e.g., node management, smart‑contract auditing).
Prior exposure to vendor management, contract negotiations, and service‑level‑agreement (SLA) oversight.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept through launch, delivering on time and within budget.

Operations Manager- Digital Assets/Crypto