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Head of Compliance of a Category 5 CMA license applicant

On behalf of our client, we are seeking a qualified and experienced Head of Compliance to oversee the organisation’s compliance framework and ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, regulatory standards, and internal policies. The successful candidate will play a key role in regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), financial crime prevention, risk monitoring, and the promotion of a strong compliance culture across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Monitor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Oversee anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), sanctions compliance, and financial crime prevention measures, as applicable.
• Establish and maintain appropriate customer due diligence (CDD) and know-your-customer (KYC) processes.
• Identify, assess, and monitor compliance risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Provide compliance guidance and training to management and employees.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the organisation.
• Coordinate regulatory reporting, compliance reviews, internal audits, and regulatory inspections, where applicable.
• Investigate compliance concerns and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepare compliance reports for senior management and the Board of Directors or relevant governing body.
• Promote ethical conduct, regulatory awareness, and a culture of accountability throughout the organisation.

Qualifications and Experience

Route 1: University Qualification

• A university degree or certificate, together with at least five (5) years of experience in financial markets or a relevant field.

• A diploma or lower-level educational qualification, together with at least ten (10) years of experience in financial markets or a relevant field.

Alternative Qualification Route

Candidates with at least five (5) years of experience in financial markets or a relevant field may also qualify through one of the following alternative professional qualifications, subject to applicable regulatory requirements:

• Master Financial qualification.
• ICA Certificate in Compliance.
• ICA International Advanced Certificate in Regulatory Compliance.
• ICA Advanced Certificate in Legal Compliance.
• ICA Certificate in Regulatory Compliance or the applicable recognised ICA regulatory qualification.
• ICA International Advanced Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering.
• ICA Advanced Certificate in Practical Customer Due Diligence.
• ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Fraud.
• ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Sanctions Risk.
• ICA Specialist Certificate in Financial Crime Risk in Global Banking and Markets.
• ICA Specialist Certificate in Money Laundering Risk in New Technology.
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS/ACAMS).

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and financial services requirements.
• Understanding of AML/CTF, KYC/CDD, sanctions, and financial crime risk management.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, reporting, and stakeholder management abilities.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and escalate material compliance risks appropriately.

Residency Requirement:

• Must be a UAE resident

Application Requirement: