International Expansion Consultant – Office Setup for Dubai & Cyprus
Location : Remote with travel to Dubai, UAE, and Cyprus
Duration : Project-based, estimated 3-6 months, with potential for extended consultancy
Prop trading firm focused on empowering traders by providing instant access to capital. As we expand our operations to the Middle East and Europe, we seek a highly skilled consultant with deep expertise in setting up regulated offices, handling compliance requirements, and optimizing cross-border tax structures to help us establish our Dubai and Cyprus offices.
Role Overview :
The International Expansion Consultant will be responsible for managing the end-to-end setup of our new offices in Dubai, UAE, and Cyprus. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, tax structures, and operational management to ensure seamless operations and robust regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities :
Governance & Corporate Structure :
* Design and implement governance agreements aligned with local regulations and corporate policies.
* Advise on board structures, decision-making authorities, and reporting mechanisms for Dubai and Cyprus offices.
* Facilitate company registration, documentation, and other legal requirements for each location.
Regulatory Compliance & Licensing :
* Oversee licensing and regulatory compliance for each jurisdiction, including liaising with local regulatory authorities.
* Establish and implement internal compliance policies, including anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.
* Ensure all operations align with local and international financial and trading regulations.
Management & Operational Controls :
* Set up management controls and operational procedures tailored to local requirements and best practices.
* Create risk management frameworks and internal audit procedures to maintain control and transparency across offices.
* Develop staff onboarding processes, training programs, and accountability structures for local teams.
Tax Structure & Financial Optimization :
* Advise on tax-efficient structures for managing international funds, profits, and transfers.
* Optimize inter-office financial arrangements and assess tax implications of cross-border transactions.
* Coordinate with tax advisors to establish and manage compliant tax arrangements in Dubai and Cyprus.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication :
* Act as the main point of contact for external consultants, advisors, and local authorities.
* Work closely with senior management to report on progress, compliance status, and key milestones.
* Develop communication plans to keep stakeholders informed of office setup, governance, and compliance matters.
Qualifications & Experience :
* Educational Background : Degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications (such as CFA, CPA, or equivalent) are preferred.
* Professional Experience : Minimum of 8 years of experience in international office setups, specifically in financial services or proprietary trading. Must have proven experience in both Dubai and Cyprus.
* Technical Expertise :
* Deep understanding of governance structures, compliance requirements, and local regulatory frameworks.
* Hands-on experience with tax structuring for multi-national financial institutions.
* Strong project management and operational control skills.
Skills :
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills for working with regulators, tax advisors, and senior management.
* Ability to design and implement scalable processes in fast-paced environments.
* Proficiency in risk management and compliance tools is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications :
* Prior experience working with or setting up offices for a prop trading or financial services firm.
* In-depth knowledge of tax optimization strategies for cross-border corporate structures.
* Demonstrated success in establishing regulatory-compliant offices in financial hubs like Dubai and Cyprus.