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.
Route 2: Diploma or Lower Qualification
- 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:
Salary: AED 22,000–30,000 per month (gross, inclusive of applicable allowances)
Benefits: Company-provided medical insurance, statutory annual leave and public holidays, applicable sick leave, employer-funded employment visa/work permit where required, and end-of-service benefits in accordance with applicable UAE employment laws.
Application Requirement:
Applicants must be UAE residents and meet at least one of the applicable qualification and experience pathways.