Director of Compliance

About The Role

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive compliance framework aligned with UAE regulations and international standards
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate regulatory and operational risks
• Monitor, interpret, and communicate changes in the regulatory environment to senior leadership and business units
• Oversee preparation and delivery of compliance reports to regulators, board members, and executive management
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies, external auditors, and key internal stakeholders
• Provide expert guidance and training to business units on compliance policies, procedures, and best practices
• Lead internal investigations and remediation activities for compliance breaches
• Drive continuous improvement of compliance processes and systems through data analysis and performance metrics

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• 12+ years of progressive compliance, risk management, or regulatory experience in the UAE or GCC region
• In-depth knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, including Central Bank regulations, ADGM/ DIFC rules, and relevant AML/CFT laws
• Proven technical expertise in risk analysis and compliance reporting
• Demonstrated ability to manage senior stakeholders and influence across functions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex regulatory requirements
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Experience leading compliance teams and managing cross-functional projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, CRCM, CCEP, or equivalent
• Experience in the banking, financial services, or insurance sectors
• Familiarity with global regulatory standards (e.g., Basel III, FATF)
• Proficiency in Arabic and English
• Experience implementing compliance technology solutions