Dubai based CFO shares opportunities in high-reward finance careers in Web3

• Hi, I am Jarna Gaglaani, Director of Finance at BitOasis — one of the UAE’s leading crypto platforms.
• By 2030, the UAE aims to become the global hub for blockchain and Web3, creating a huge demand for finance professionals.
• Opportunities in audit and advisory are growing fast in this space.

Why I chose startups over MNCs

I did work with a few large organizations at the beginning of my career, starting with Coca-Cola.

After a corporate break of over 10 years, I wanted to restart my career.

In 2018, I took a chance by joining Udrive, a startup in the UAE, instead of a more established company.

Starting as a Finance Controller in 2018, I rose to become CFO, learning invaluable skills in valuation, investor pitching, and more.

That’s what truly excited me about the startup space.

The company I’m with now (BitOasis) technically isn’t a startup, as it’s been around for a while.

But the industry we’re in (Crypto) is still young, evolving, and full of potential.

I didn’t choose crypto, it chose me

Let me be honest—I didn’t plan to enter the crypto industry.

Like many finance professionals, I barely understood it. All I knew was that crypto might be an asset class, like real estate or gold.

But once I dove deeper, I realized this wasn’t just about digital coins.

It was about blockchain. Web3.

A complete shift in how the world does business.

Let me explain.

• Web1 was the era of static websites. You could read information, but not interact with it.
• Web2 brought in social media—Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram—where users became the creators.
• Web3 changes the game again. Imagine needing a loan. Today, a bank sits in the middle. But in a Web3 world, you could borrow directly from someone else—peer-to-peer—using a smart contract. No middleman.

That’s why Web3 is a big deal, especially for the finance industry, which is built around intermediaries.

So…what gives crypto value?

Here’s what helped me make sense of it: blockchain is the infrastructure. Crypto is the fuel.

Take Ethereum. It’s a blockchain—just like iOS or Android is a platform.

On top of it, developers build decentralized apps (dApps). Now, how do you pay to use those apps? Not with fiat money—but with the blockchain’s native token.

And that’s where the value comes from.

Early on, I had the same doubts you probably do: “Stocks are tied to real companies. What backs a cryptocurrency?”

The answer? Utility.

Each blockchain typically has its own token.

The valuable ones—like Ethereum—are used to power real-world applications.

As adoption grows, demand for these tokens grows—and that’s what gives them lasting value.

Also read: Finance professionals will play a huge role in the crypto economy, says CEO of ZebPay

Why Dubai is a crypto hub (and getting stronger)

While other countries are still figuring out their crypto strategy, the UAE is already building on blockchain.

They laid the groundwork 5–8 years ago. Today, nearly every major government project is built on blockchain infrastructure.

The UAE has done what few countries have: created dedicated crypto regulators (like VARA, ADGM, RAK DAO) with clear frameworks.

They created a clear, progressive regulatory environment:

• ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
• VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, Dubai)
• RAK DAO (Digital Assets Oasis, Ras Al Khaimah)
• DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

Each of these has its own licensing, compliance, and oversight frameworks—plus strict KYC and AML protocols.

This gives companies the confidence to expand operations, which means demand for finance, compliance, legal, and tech talent is high.

At BitOasis, we’re regulated by VARA, and I work closely with them. From what I’ve seen, they’re not just regulators—they’re enablers of innovation.

And here’s the cherry on top: No capital gains tax. No crypto transaction tax.

The UAE is easily one of the most attractive places in the world to build, invest, and work in crypto.

Where do finance professionals fit into this picture?

If you’re a CA, CPA, or CFA reading this, here’s my message:

We’ve missed big tech waves before.

The IT boom.

The rise of Web2.

This time, let’s not sit on the sidelines.

The Web3 and crypto space needs an entirely new financial framework—and fast.

Here’s where the opportunities lie:

• Audit & Assurance – Verifying decentralized operations requires professionals who understand both blockchain and accounting.
• Risk & Compliance – Crypto comes with unique risk profiles that demand robust frameworks.
• Controllers & CFOs – From asset management to budgeting, the principles remain—but the tools are different.
• ERP & Crypto Accounting – Just like SAP and Oracle rose in the past, new systems are emerging to manage digital assets.

Crypto accounting isn’t like your traditional USD or Dirham bookkeeping. It involves unique subledgers, blockchain verification, and real-time tracking of proof of reserves and proof of ownership.

With regulations tightening and evolving, the demand for tech-savvy finance professionals is rising fast.

Also read: Will the collapse in crypto market trigger a bigger economic catastrophe? Many fear it might.

Wrapping up…

Yes, I understand that with a new industry comes a bit of uncertainty.

But that also means compensation tends to be higher for those willing to take the leap.

With clearer global regulations and rising institutional adoption, this is one of the most exciting windows of opportunity for finance professionals in the next decade.

Quick FAQs

Is the UAE a crypto-friendly country?

Absolutely! The UAE imposes no income or capital gains taxes on crypto investments and has developed a clear legal framework through VARA, ADGM, DIFC, and more.

How is cryptocurrency regulated in the UAE?

VARA (Dubai) – Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) – Dubai

VARA oversees virtual asset activities in Dubai, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It provides a licensing framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and regulates activities such as exchange services, custody, and advisory services. ​

ADGM (Abu Dhabi) – Oversees stablecoins and digital assets

DIFC – Offers a Crypto Token Framework under DFSA

RAK DAO – A new free zone for Web3 and crypto companies

Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)

At the federal level, the SCA regulates virtual assets across the UAE, ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. It works in coordination with local authorities to oversee the crypto sector. ​

What roles are in demand in the UAE’s crypto/web3 sector?

• Crypto Controllers / Finance Managers: Oversee digital asset accounting, reporting, and treasury. Work with native tokens, wallets, and stablecoins.
• Blockchain-focused Audit & Assurance: Internal audit of smart contracts, blockchain transactions, proof-of-reserves. Audit of crypto-native businesses, exchanges, and DeFi protocols.
• Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance: Build frameworks aligned with VARA, ADGM, DIFC, and SCA regulations. Handle crypto risk profiles (custody, token volatility, DeFi exposure).
• Forensic Accounting & AML
• Crypto Tax & Advisory
• CFOs & Controllers
• ERP & Crypto Bookkeeping
• FP&A for digital assets

Which crypto/web3 companies are now hiring in the UAE?

• Crypto Exchanges: Binance, Bybit, BitOasis, OKX
• Web3 Startups: GameFi, DeFi, NFT platforms
• VCs & Family Offices: Allocating to blockchain funds or launching tokenized investment platforms
• Big 4 Firms: Expanding blockchain advisory & audit practices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Tech Hubs: ADGM, DIFC Innovation Hub, RAK DAO Free Zone

It’s not just crypto companies that are on a hiring spree.

Banks, real estate, and logistics firms in the UAE are experimenting with blockchain for smart contracts, payments, and supply chains.

That creates roles for blockchain-savvy finance and strategy professionals across industries.