Edison Smart® is seeking a Head of Information Security & Governance to lead all aspects of IT governance, cyber risk, and regulatory compliance in a dynamic digital assets or financial services environment. This individual contributor role is perfect for professionals with extensive hands-on experience working with ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) and DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) regulatory frameworks. The role demands a deep understanding of information security and regulatory governance within financial institutions or virtual asset service providers, with a focus on compliance and cybersecurity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an effective IT governance and information security risk management framework in line with UAE regulatory requirements and international best practices.

• Act as the key liaison with regulatory authorities to ensure all governance and security obligations are met, and recommendations are fully implemented.

• Maintain robust security governance practices, including reporting structures for board and committee-level oversight.

• Ensure regulatory readiness for audits, inspections, and external reviews, particularly in alignment with ADGM and DFSA standards.

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of policies, standards, and controls for cyber risk, data protection, and vendor risk.

• Oversee third-party integrations to ensure compliance with contractual SLAs and internal security standards.

• Support and influence technology teams to align with risk-based governance strategies, acting as the subject matter expert on cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

• Contribute to internal investigations, incident response processes, and regulatory breach reporting as required.

• Stay proactively aligned with evolving regulations related to virtual assets and financial markets in the UAE.

Key Requirements:

• Must be currently based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with a comprehensive understanding of the UAE regulatory landscape.

• 10+ years of experience in IT governance, cybersecurity, or information risk management within financial services or digital assets.

• Direct, hands-on experience with ADGM and DFSA is essential.

• Proven track record in implementing and managing governance frameworks in regulated entities.

• Experience working independently in high-impact roles, influencing senior stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

• In-depth knowledge of international standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, and PCI-DSS.

• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, or similar are preferred.

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex security risks into clear business language.

• Bilingual in English and Arabic is an advantage but not required.

Additional Details:

• Job Type: Full-time, Remote

• Location: Dubai or Abu Dhabi, UAE

About Edison Smart®:

Edison Smart® is a global recruitment provider specializing in the technology industry. We are driving the ‘Industry 4.0’ revolution by connecting top talent with forward-thinking companies, helping them achieve their strategic growth goals while fostering groundbreaking technological advancements.