At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial crime investigations and ensure compliance across the UAE and MEA region.
- Company: Join Circle, a leading internet financial platform driving global economic innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with global teams and enhance automated monitoring tools for regional compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safeguarding financial integrity in a dynamic fintech landscape.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in financial crime investigations, with expertise in MEA regulations and blockchain analytics.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Circle (NYSE: CRCL) is one of the world’s leading internet financial platform companies, building the foundation of a more open, global economy through digital assets, payment applications, and programmable blockchain infrastructure. Circle’s platform includes the world’s largest regulated stablecoin network anchored by USDC, Circle Payments Network for global money movement, and Arc, an enterprise-grade blockchain designed to become the Economic OS for the internet.
What you’ll be part of:
Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values: High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.
What you’ll be responsible for:
As a Manager within Circle’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), you will safeguard Circle’s integrity by leading financial crime investigations and intelligence efforts across the UAE and broader MEA region. You will identify, analyze, and report suspicious activity while ensuring compliance with AML and sanctions regulations. This role requires close collaboration with global FIU and compliance teams, product stakeholders, and regional regulators. You will enhance detection capabilities, respond to evolving typologies, and ensure that Circle meets the highest standards of integrity and compliance excellence in the region.
What you'll work on:
- Design and implement MEA-specific compliance frameworks, including developing alignments with both local regulatory requirements (CBUAE, VARA) and global standards.
- Lead comprehensive financial crime risk assessments to identify regional vulnerabilities, ensuring Circle’s risk appetite and controls are optimized for MEA’s evolving landscape.
- Act cross-functionally within Financial Crime Compliance, providing expert support across broader compliance domains including Sanctions, KYC, and Transaction Monitoring.
- Oversee and perform complex investigations into potential financial crimes and suspicious activities, leveraging deep local major markets knowledge to interpret regional transaction patterns and behaviours.
- Review and analyze sophisticated transaction data using blockchain analytics tooling, identifying illicit activity typologies unique to the Middle East and virtual asset markets.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for regional regulators, law enforcement, and industry bodies.
- Strengthen the Second Line of Defense (2LoD) by developing oversight processes, escalation protocols, and high-impact training programs for regional analysts.
- Collaborate with global product and engineering teams to enhance automated monitoring tools and rulesets based on regional risk profiles.
What you’ll bring to Circle:
Core Requirements:
- 10+ years of experience conducting complex financial crime investigations, ideally 2+ years within fintech or native virtual asset environments.
- Proven experience navigating the MEA’s regulatory environment and a nuanced understanding of the local financial ecosystem.
- A background that spans beyond investigations into broader compliance areas including Transaction Monitoring, KYC framework design, and regulatory advisory.
- Proficiency in blockchain forensic tools, including TRM Labs and Elliptic and the ability to translate complex data into actionable compliance strategies.
- The ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external regulators, acting as a credible subject matter expert in the MEA market.
- Strong knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations and regional regulatory frameworks, including requirements from the UAE FIU and the ADGM.
- Strong knowledge of regional virtual asset typologies and risks within the Middle East and North Africa.
- Hands-on experience using blockchain analytics and transaction monitoring systems to identify suspicious activity.
- Demonstrated ability to write and review high-quality investigative reports and regulatory filings, including SARs.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills with the ability to distill complex data into clear, actionable insights.
Preferred Requirements:
- CAMS, ICA, or equivalent financial crime certification.
- TRM Advanced Crypto Investigations (“TRM-ACI”), Elliptic Specialist Investigator Certification, or equivalent blockchain analytics certifications.
- Experience liaising with UAE regulators and law enforcement agencies on AML/CFT matters.
- Subject matter expertise with virtual asset service providers and evolving global typologies within the crypto ecosystem.
Circle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages. Starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other protected status required by the laws in the locations where we hire. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.
Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability, please reach out to accommodations@circle.com for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.
Senior Manager, Financial Intelligence Unit, MEA in London employer: Circle
Circle is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, we offer a supportive work culture that values flexibility and personal growth, alongside competitive salaries and pension contributions. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to empowering families and enhancing lives, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Financial Intelligence Unit, MEA in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Financial Intelligence Unit, MEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Circle.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Circle's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Circle
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Circle.
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Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Circle will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Circle employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
