Director UAE Financial Crime Risk FCR

Role Summary

The role requires a keen understanding of complex financial crime issues and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into effective business practices. You will liaise with various departments to harmonise approaches to financial crime risk and ensure that controls are both practical and compliant with global and local standards. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the Financial Crime Risk (FCR) landscape will enable the organisation to respond swiftly to emerging threats and regulatory obligations.

This position offers the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of financial crime prevention within a dynamic and diverse banking environment. By setting the vision and direction for Financial Crime Risk in the country, you will contribute significantly to the bank’s reputation and sustainability. Your leadership will foster a culture of compliance, integrity, and resilience, essential for navigating the evolving financial services sector.

The successful candidate will be expected to manage change effectively, supporting both transformation initiatives and operational improvements within the Financial Crime Risk (FCR) function. This includes the oversight of project delivery, policy updates, and system enhancements to strengthen controls and compliance outcomes. You will act as a resource for senior management, providing regular updates on the effectiveness of controls and potential areas of risk exposure.

This role demands a proactive and analytical mindset, combined with excellent communication skills to articulate complex regulatory information to diverse audiences. The ability to build strong working relationships and influence decision-making processes across the organisation will be fundamental to your success. Commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends will enable effective leadership in this ever-evolving field.

Our comprehensive approach to Financial Crime Risk includes adherence to Group policies and standards, conducting compliance reviews and assurance activities, and leading investigations as necessary. You will oversee compliance risk assessments, liaise with regulators, and drive initiatives to embed compliance into everyday practices. Demonstrated capability in managing teams and projects will support delivery of change and innovation throughout the function.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Implementation

Collaborate closely with the Country Head of Financial Crime Risk (FCR) to develop, refine, and execute a comprehensive strategy that aligns with both Country and DIFC regulatory frameworks. You will play a critical role in designing and adapting operating models, ensuring robust support systems including people, processes, tools, frameworks, and technology are in place to uphold effective FCR controls.

Regulatory Compliance and Advisory

Provide expert guidance to the business and compliance teams on the evolving landscape of financial crime regulations. Analyze and interpret regulatory expectations, legislation, and industry best practices to influence policies and operational decisions. Act as a key advisor for resolving conflicts between competing regulatory requirements, such as anti-money laundering (AML) directives and data privacy laws.

Risk Management and Communication

Ensure that risk frameworks and compliance standards are clearly communicated and fully understood by process owners and relevant business units. Monitor and report on regulatory changes affecting financial crime risk and advise stakeholders accordingly. Support training and awareness initiatives to embed a strong compliance culture across the organisation.

Stakeholder Engagement

Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, to maintain a transparent and proactive compliance environment. Provide insights and support decision-making processes to ensure compliance is embedded in business growth plans and operational activities.

Skills And Experience

• Proven expertise in managing conduct and risk within financial services, especially related to financial crime prevention and compliance.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams to achieve high performance and compliance standards.
• In-depth knowledge of Financial Crime Risk (FCR) Group Policies and Standards, with practical experience delivering compliance advisory services.
• Experience leading compliance reviews, assurance activities, and investigation processes in a regulated environment.
• Competency in assessing compliance risk and liaising effectively with regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to evolving requirements.
• Proven ability to manage complex change initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing compliance frameworks and operational effectiveness.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory environments and provide clear, actionable guidance.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills to engage effectively across different levels of the organisation and external regulators.
  
  

About Standard Chartered

Established over 170 years ago, Standard Chartered is an international bank committed to driving commerce and prosperity across the globe. We combine agile decision-making with substantial global influence to create meaningful impact for our clients, communities, and employees.

Our culture encourages challenging the status quo and embracing new opportunities to innovate and grow. We are purpose-driven, valuing diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and we believe these principles are essential to our collective success.

Our core values underscore our commitment to integrity, continuous improvement, and collaboration:

• Do the Right Thing – Acting assertively and ethically while keeping clients at the centre.
• Never Settle – Striving relentlessly to improve, innovate, and simplify processes.
• Are Better Together – Embracing diversity and working inclusively to deliver sustainable results.
  
  

Join us to be part of an organisation where your unique talents are valued, and your career path is supported with purpose.

What We Offer

Standard Chartered is committed to supporting the wellbeing and professional growth of our employees by offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package aligned with our Fair Pay Charter.

• Financial Security: Core bank-provided benefits including retirement savings, medical coverage, and life insurance, complemented by flexible voluntary benefits tailored to individual needs in certain locations.
• Flexible Leave Policies: Generous time-off including annual leave, extended parental/maternity leave of up to 20 weeks, sabbaticals up to 12 months, and up to 3 days of volunteering leave annually, all supported by company-wide minimum leave standards totaling at least 30 days.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options to work from home and office-based settings, accommodating flexible schedules that promote work-life balance.
• Wellbeing Initiatives: Access to Unmind, a digital mental wellbeing platform, resilience and human skills development courses, a global Employee Assistance Programme, sick leave policies, mental health first-aiders, and various self-help resources.
• Continuous Learning and Development: A culture devoted to lifelong learning with opportunities to upskill and reskill through a variety of physical, virtual, and digital platforms.
• Inclusive Work Environment: Belong to an organisation that celebrates diversity and inclusion, ensuring every individual feels respected and empowered to reach their full potential.

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