Compliance Officer

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Compliance Officer & MLRO to join our team and ensure our full compliance with CBUAE regulations, FATF recommendations, and global financial crime prevention standards. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in AML/CFT frameworks, risk-based supervision, and transaction monitoring, and will act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities:

✅Regulatory Oversight:

• Serve as the appointed Compliance Officer & MLRO with CBUAE, ensuring compliance with:

o  CBUAE AML/CFT Guidelines & Guidance for Financial Institutions (including RPSP-specific guidance)

o  Retail Payment Services Regulation (RPSCS Rulebook)

o  FATF Recommendations, including Proliferation Financing (PF) and Targeted Financial Sanctions

 (TFS) requirements.

• Liaise with CBUAE, FIU, and other competent authorities on all AML-related matters
• Submit STRs/SARs via the goAML platform in a timely and complete manner

✅Compliance Program Management:

• Design, implement, and regularly update the AML/CFT framework in accordance with UAE laws, FATF standards, and RBS (Risk-Based Supervision) principles.
• Conduct regular enterprise-wide risk assessments covering products, geographies, customers, delivery channels, and PF/TFS exposure.
• Conduct annual self-assessment in line with CBUAE RBS requirements and maintain continuous monitoring protocols.
• Establish and maintain AML/CFT policies, procedures, and internal controls.

✅Transaction Monitoring & Investigation:

• Lead implementation and governance of transaction monitoring systems.
• Oversee alert reviews, case investigations, escalation protocols, and reporting.
• Integrate AML/CFT monitoring with fraud detection and cybersecurity incident reporting to ensure comprehensive oversight.
• Maintain a robust audit trail of all compliance decisions and documentation.

✅Customer / Business Due Diligence:

• Oversee KYC/KYB screening processes for onboarding and ongoing monitoring.
• Ensure adherence to CBUAE requirements on identity verification, beneficial ownership, risk scoring, and re-verification.
• Implement TFS screening and PF risk mitigation procedures at onboarding and throughout the customer lifecycle.

✅Training & Internal Awareness:

• Develop AML/CFT training modules (including PF/TFS compliance) for all staff and deliver periodically.
• Keep the Board Audit/Compliance Committee and senior management informed on key risks, STRs/SARs, PF/TFS compliance, and regulatory developments.
• Prepare quarterly reports, bi-annual compliance reports, and the Annual MLRO Report to CBUAE.
• Conduct annual AML/CFT training for the Board with signed declarations of completion.

✅Audit, Testing & Supervision:

• Lead internal compliance reviews and gap assessments.
• Participate in or lead responses to CBUAE inspections, audits, and corrective action plans.
• Maintain recordkeeping as per AML requirements (minimum 5 years).

✅License Support & Global Scheme Compliance:

• Provide regulatory compliance input for new license applications or service expansions.
• Ensure alignment with Visa, Mastercard, and other card network compliance requirements.
• Coordinate responses to external scheme audits.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

✅ Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years (or 5 years with relevant certification) experience in AML/CFT compliance for Category B/C equivalent activities.
• Strong understanding of UAE AML/CFT regulations, FATF guidelines, RBS framework, PF/TFS obligations, and risk-based supervision.
• Certification: Internationally recognized AML/CFT qualification such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) or ICA International Diploma in Anti Money Laundering is mandatory.

✅Preferred Experience:

• Background in banks, RPSP, PSP, or SVF firms regulated by CBUAE.
• Familiarity with goAML, risk scoring models, PF/TFS screening tools, and transaction monitoring systems.
• Experience in CBUAE inspections, Visa/Mastercard compliance, and licensing processes.
• Arabic language skills are a plus.

✅Employment Conditions:

• Must be a full-time employee under the company’s UAE visa
• Cannot be employed in any other capacity or provide consultancy services elsewhere.
• Must maintain independence from operational functions.
• Subject to CBUAE’s fit and proper evaluation and prior Letter of No Objection