Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Manager - Regulated Licenses , Business Strategy Advisory

Company:

AKW Consultants

Location:

Dubai, UAE

Department:

Business Development

Job Type:

Full-Time

About AKW Consultants:

AKW Consultants is a leading professional service consultancy, part of the AKW Group of Companies, registered with the Dubai Economic Department and the DMCC, UAE. We have been serving clients across the GCC region, providing expertise in compliance, third-party audits, and regulatory requirements.

Job Overview:

This role focuses on delivering strategic licensing and regulatory advisory services under the Business Strategy Advisory vertical. The candidate will manage complex licensing assignments with regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). A background in legal or compliance advisory is preferred, with expertise in structuring regulated entities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Regulatory Licensing & Structuring:

Lead and manage end-to-end licensing engagements with SCA, VARA, DFSA (DIFC), and FSRA (ADGM) for regulated entities across virtual assets, capital markets, and financial services sectors. Conduct regulatory scoping assessments to determine the most suitable license category and authority based on the client's business model. Advise on entity structuring, ownership, and governance frameworks in line with regulatory expectations. Prepare and review business plans, financial models, risk-based compliance frameworks, and supporting documentation for license applications. Coordinate directly with regulators during the application process, handling queries, meetings, and clarifications. Provide advisory on post-licensing obligations and regulatory compliance frameworks. Experience in setting up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Holding Companies in DIFC, ADGM, and DMCC for regulated and unregulated structures.

2. Client Engagement:

Advise clients on regulatory obligations and structuring strategies. Coordinate with regulatory bodies, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance.

3. Market and Regulatory Updates:

Stay current with changes to regulatory guidelines and license classifications. Provide periodic updates to clients and the Business Strategy Advisory team

4. Knowledge Sharing & Internal Development:

Contribute to AKW's internal regulatory knowledge hub. Support capability building within the Business Strategy Advisory vertical.

5. Project Management:

Deliver high-quality outputs within set deadlines. Manage documentation flow for multiple concurrent client projects.

Educational/ Professional License requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, or a related field. 4+ years of experience in regulatory licensing, legal advisory, or compliance consulting. Strong command over regulatory frameworks including SCA, VARA, DIFC, and ADGM. Excellent written communication and documentation drafting skills.
Experience Requirements:

Hands-on experience in obtaining regulatory licenses for virtual asset providers, fund managers, or financial service firms. Familiarity with documentation requirements and regulator expectations in the UAE. Experience interacting with regulatory authorities and handling licensing timelines and objections. Certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or legal licenses in the UAE are a plus

Skill and attribute requirements:

Analytical and detail-oriented with strong drafting capabilities. Ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously and meet tight deadlines. Comfortable interacting with regulatory bodies and clients in formal settings. Self-motivated, solution-focused, and adaptable to evolving client needs
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent