Risk Officer

Our client is an innovative fintech firm regulated in ADGM, building services that connect traditional finance with the digital asset economy. The company is at an early growth stage and offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership in a fast-moving, regulated environment.

Job Overview

The Risk Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the firm’s risk management framework. The role will act as a key second line of defence, ensuring that operational, regulatory, technology, cyber, conduct, and third-party risks are properly identified, monitored, and managed.

The role will report functionally to the Board / Risk Committee and administratively to senior management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Enterprise Risk Management framework, Risk Appetite Statement, and Key Risk Indicators.
• Own and update risk policies, procedures, and risk governance documentation.
• Maintain the firm’s Risk Register across operational, regulatory, conduct, technology, and third-party risks.
• Provide risk reporting and insights to senior management, the Board, and relevant committees.
• Assess risks related to new products, digital assets, technology infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
• Oversee outsourcing and third-party risk management, including due diligence and ongoing monitoring.
• Lead incident management, root cause analysis, and control improvement actions.
• Work closely with Compliance and MLRO teams to align risk management with regulatory and financial crime obligations.
• Support regulatory discussions and ensure risk documentation is regulator-ready.

Requirements

• Around 10 years of risk management experience within financial services.
• Strong understanding of operational risk, conduct risk, regulatory risk, and governance.
• Experience working in a regulated environment; ADGM/FSRA or DIFC experience is preferred.
• Exposure to fintech, digital assets, blockchain, custody, or technology-driven financial services is highly advantageous.
• Degree in Finance, Risk, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as FRM, PRM, or CFA are preferred.

Key Competencies

• Independent mindset with the ability to challenge business decisions constructively.
• Strong integrity, sound judgement, and clean regulatory record.
• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a startup-style environment.
• Strong understanding of risk frameworks, controls, and regulatory expectations.