Deputy General Counsel at OKX in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Who We Are At OKX, we believe that the future will be reshaped by crypto, and ultimately contribute to every individual's freedom. OKX is a leading crypto exchange, and the developer of OKX Wallet, giving millions access to crypto trading and decentralized crypto applications (dApps). OKX is also a trusted brand by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets. We are safe and reliable, backed by our Proof of Reserves. Across our multiple offices globally, we are united by our core principles: We Before Me, Do the Right Thing, and Get Things Done. These shared values drive our culture, shape our processes, and foster a friendly, rewarding, and diverse environment for every OK-er. About the Team OKX’s Legal team provides legal advice and guidance to the Company across all coverage areas and geographic locations, and supports business growth and development by working with all teams within the company to help them achieve their goals. We are a high-functioning, collaborative and fast-paced team who enjoys the cutting-edge nature of our work and our industry About the Opportunity You will report to the Global Head of Regulatory based in Dubai, UAE You will work closely with all members of the Global Legal team and business leaders throughout the company, but will concentrate on supporting OKX's Middle East Entity, GCC and CIS market. The right candidate will have a basic understanding of and enthusiastic belief in the cryptocurrency/digital asset space, 12+ years of experience working for a top law firm or in-house at a fast-paced, brand-name business, and possess strong academic credentials and excellent writing and analytical skills. The ideal candidate should also possess experience working on matters pertaining to financial services, cryptocurrency/digital assets, and/or touching upon financial services and securities laws and regulations (for example VARA, ESCA). We offer a competitive base salary and bonus structure as well as excellent benefits and an opportunity to work in a cutting-edge industry that will be the future of financial services. What You’ll Be Doing You will serve as the primary legal point of contact for regulatory matters across the Middle East and CIS, including the UAE (both onshore CBUAE/VARA), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kazakhstan (AFSA/AIFC) and adjacent markets. Your responsibilities will include: Leading engagement with financial regulators - Including licensing applications, regulatory notifications, RFI responses, and ongoing supervisory relationships , ensuring the business maintains and expands its regulatory permissions in each jurisdiction. Advising senior stakeholders on the regulatory implications of new product launches, including digital asset trading products, derivatives, stablecoins, payment instruments, and earn/staking offerings, with a particular focus on jurisdiction-specific restrictions and approval pathways. Monitoring and analysing regulatory developments across target markets, translating legislative and rule changes into actionable guidance for the business and compliance teams. Partnering with external counsel on complex regulatory matters, managing outside counsel relationships effectively and ensuring cost-efficient, commercially focused advice. Handling regulatory correspondence, enforcement matters, and where necessary, managing relationships with law enforcement and government authorities across the region. Providing legal input on marketing materials, product terms, and contractual arrangements to ensure they meet local regulatory standards. Collaborating with global Legal, Compliance, Government Relations, and Product teams to deliver a joined-up regulatory strategy. What We Look For In You Must hold a law degree and be eligible to practice as an advocate; 12+ years of experience at a top-tier law firm and/or in-house legal team, preferably in a financial services or crypto industry; Experience advising on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology legal issues (or strong interest and knowledge in the field) and have a basic understanding (or eager to learn) about the relevant legal/regulatory landscape; Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, growth-stage and multi-cultural environment; Ability to effectively advise and build trust with business teams; Ability to navigate through a rapidly-changing legal landscape and deal with legal ambiguity; Ability to work in a high-functioning legal team and feel comfortable in a collaborative working environment; Self-starter, quick learner who is highly driven, proactive, responsive and precise; Experience working on cross-jurisdictional matters and a global legal team; Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts. Perks & Benefits Competitive total compensation package L&D programs and Education subsidy for employees' growth and development Various team building programs and company events Wellness and meal allowances Comprehensive healthcare schemes for employees and dependants More that we love to tell you along the process! #LI-GB1 #LI-HYBRID Notice: All official OKX vacancies are published on this website.While roles may appear on selected third-party platforms from time to time, information on other sites may be inaccurate or outdated. If in doubt, please apply directly through our official careers website. Information collected and processed as part of the recruitment process of any job application you choose to submit is subject to OKX's Candidate Privacy Notice.