Head of Regulatory Affairs and Licensing - Middle East

About the Job

Tether and its affiliated entities (e.g., Bitfinex) are searching for an organized self‑starter to join our Regulatory and Licensing team to lead efforts in the Middle East. The role requires an understanding of the regulatory environment pertaining to the crypto‑asset industry / stablecoin industry in the Middle East, and a strong legal or regulatory background in an exciting and dynamic business environment.

The incumbent will continuously develop skills, including understanding Tether’s products and services, blockchain technology, and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will manage relationships and communications between stakeholders, including regulators, policy setters, and cross‑functional teams such as Operations, Finance, Technology, and Business Development.

Reporting to the Vice President of the Regulatory and Licensing division, the candidate will work alongside project managers and other business members to execute regulatory affairs initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications: 8+ years in governmental affairs / regulatory affairs / legal experience within financial services or crypto‑asset industry in the Middle East. Proven leadership of regulatory teams, experience advocating for favourable policies, excellent written and verbal communication, strong stakeholder management across borders, public speaking skills, and ability to work collaboratively and independently.

• Monitor regulatory developments impacting Tether and affiliates in the region.
• Maintain active relationships with policymakers, regulators, central banks, and financial intelligence units.
• Represent the company in consultations, workshops, industry round tables, and regulatory dialogues.
• Prepare briefing papers, comment letters, and policy submissions aligned with the global regulatory strategy.
• Identify and realise opportunities to shape emerging frameworks in a risk‑sensitive, innovation‑oriented manner.
• Conduct structured assessments on whether licensing/registration is required for operations in the region.
• Obtain regulatory authorisations in the region, working with the team and local advisors.
• Support enterprise‑level planning for new products or expansions in the region, advising on regulatory constraints and enablers to the company’s leadership.
• Contribute to internal reporting and executive briefings on policy risks and the regulatory trajectory regionally.

• Minimum of 8 years in governmental affairs / regulatory affairs / legal experience ideally within the financial services or crypto‑asset industry in the Middle East.
• Proven ability in successfully leading regulatory affairs teams within either the financial services industry, or the digital asset industry.
• Experience working with regulators and government bodies, advocating and advising in a regulatory capacity, with achievements securing favourable policy positions on behalf of another organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesise complex regulatory topics for non‑technical audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders across borders and time zones.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in public speaking and representing companies in regulatory discussions.
• Must be a strong team player, willing to be fully engaged with key stakeholders both in our company and with our partners, and capable of working collaboratively and independently.