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Proxima Eight FZE LLC
Business Centre, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Business Centre, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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MLRO-as-a-Service: Qualified Compliance Specialists for Virtual Asset Businesses
Finding the right Money Laundering Reporting Officer is one of the most common bottlenecks in virtual asset licensing. We source, vet, and place qualified MLROs who meet regulatory requirements across VARA, CMA, ADGM and MiCA jurisdictions.
9+ Years of Compliance Expertise
End-to-End Execution
Why MLRO Placement Matters
Every regulated virtual asset business needs a qualified MLRO. The role carries direct legal accountability — and regulators assess not just whether the position is filled, but whether the person in it has the experience and competence to fulfil it. The wrong appointment delays licensing, fails fit-and-proper assessments, and creates compliance gaps that inspectors find. The right one moves the process forward.
MLRO Requirements Under UAE Regulations
Experience
Minimum 2 years' experience in AML/CFT compliance — confirmed by VARA Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook
UAE residency
MLRO must be a UAE resident — required by VARA and CMA frameworks
Fit-and-proper
VARA approval required. MLRO must pass VARA's fit-and-proper assessment as part of the licensing application
Full-time commitment
The MLRO must be genuinely accountable for the AML programme — not a figurehead
goAML registration
MLRO is the registered point of contact on the UAE FIU's goAML platform
VARA reporting
MLRO submits STRs/SARs to VARA and the FIU, manages regulatory inspections, responds to VARA information requests
What the Specialist Covers
- Pre-licenceWe identify and place the right specialist before your licence application. The MLRO is named on the application, prepared for fit-and-proper assessment, and ready for regulator engagement from day one.
- Post-licenceThe placed specialist manages ongoing AML programme oversight, STR/SAR submissions, annual Business Risk Assessment review, sanctions screening, and supervisory inspection support.
- Interim CoverageWhen you are ready to bring the role in-house, we manage the handover — ensuring continuity of the compliance programme and no gaps in regulatory coverage.
MLRO vs Compliance Officer: What's the Difference?
Responsible for AML/CTF/CPF programme specifically
Responsible for overall regulatory compliance across all areas
Primary FIU contact — submits STRs/SARs
Broader regulatory reporting and VARA engagement
Manages AML policies, CDD, transaction monitoring
Manages licensing conditions, conduct rules, governance
UAE resident required (VARA/CMA)
UAE resident required (VARA/CMA)
Can be same person as CO for smaller firms
Can be same person as MLRO for smaller firms
For smaller VASPs and firms in early stages, VARA permits the MLRO and Compliance Officer roles to be held by the same individual — provided they have the experience and capacity to fulfil both. We assess whether combined or separate roles are appropriate for your business model.
What We Do for You
- MLRO Sourcing and PlacementWe identify candidates with genuine virtual asset compliance experience matched to your jurisdiction, licence category, and operational stage.
- Fit-and-Proper PreparationWe prepare the specialist's profile and supporting documentation for regulator assessment - ensuring the appointment passes first time.
- Ongoing Programme OversightThe placed specialist manages monthly AML oversight, STR/SAR submissions, annual Business Risk Assessment review, and regulatory change tracking.
- Inspection ReadinessThe specialist prepares and manages your AML programme for supervisory inspections - documentation, evidence, and regulator engagement.
- In-House TransitionWhen you are ready to hire permanently, we manage the handover to ensure continuity and no gaps in regulatory coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically permitted in some jurisdictions, but generally discouraged by regulators. The MLRO role requires dedicated focus on AML compliance - combining it with executive responsibilities creates conflicts of interest and weakens the independence of the compliance function.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some regulators require local residency, others accept remote arrangements with periodic presence. We advise on the specific requirements for your licence and place a specialist accordingly.
You must notify the regulator promptly and ensure immediate continuity. Operating without a qualified MLRO is a compliance breach in most jurisdictions. We manage the replacement process and cover the gap while a new specialist is placed.
Depends on the jurisdiction, scope, and engagement structure. We provide a fixed fee after understanding your licence category and operational requirements.
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Please note: We do not provide any personalized investment advice, token selection guidance, or transaction recommendations. AMLzone is a compliance consultancy and project management services provider, not a Virtual Asset Advisor.
Please note: We do not provide any personalized investment advice, token selection guidance, or transaction recommendations. AMLzone is a compliance consultancy and project management services provider, not a Virtual Asset Advisor.