Head of Compliance & MLRO - Dubai ( DIFC )
About This Role
We are currently seeking an experienced Head of Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to lead the compliance function for our Dubai (DIFC) branch .
This is a senior, standalone role requiring a high‑calibre professional with deep local regulatory knowledge and the confidence to operate independently in a regulated wholesale banking environment.
The Role
This position combines Head of Compliance and MLRO responsibilities and plays a critical role in safeguarding the business and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with the regulator.
You will:
- Act as Head of Compliance and MLRO for the Dubai branch
- Serve as the primary point of contact with the DFSA
- Ensure compliance with DFSA rules, UAE regulations, and internal policies
- Oversee regulatory reporting, risk assessments, and control frameworks
- Advise the business on onboarding, KYC, UBO structures, and complex ownership models
- Provide pragmatic, culturally aware compliance guidance in a Middle East context
- Support a wholesale banking model where clients are originated locally and booked internationally.
- Locally reporting into the Senior Executive Officer (SEO) and functionally reporting into the Head of Compliance EMEA
This role has no direct reports and requires a strong self‑starter who can operate with authority, independence, and sound judgement .
Key Requirements
Essential:
- DFSA authorized individual with experience working with the DFSA
- Current or prior experience in the UAE / Middle Ea st Senior compliance experience withi n Wholesale Bank
- Proven experience acting a s MLRO
- Strong understanding of complex ownership structures and locally sensitive KYC requirements
- Ability to operate confidently as a registered senior compliance officer
Highly Preferred:
- Experience within th e DIFC
- Background with international banks operating in the Middle East
Posting window: Limited time only.
Please note: This role is not suitable for candidates seeking their first move into the Middle East or without DFSA exposure.
Similar Jobs
Head of Engineering Management
Wood PLC · Abu Dhabi
Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world. The Role This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Engineering with a proven track record in leading and managing the multi discpl
Today
Generate Resume ↗Head Of Sales
Accops Systems · Dubai
Education: Bachelor's Degree Experience: 20+ years | Location: Middle East (Dubai) No. of Positions: 1 Company Description* We build software products that empower people to make the world their home, giving them the
Today
Generate Resume ↗Head of Engineering Management
Wood · Abu Dhabi
Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world. The Role This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Engineering with a proven track record in leading and managing the multi discpl
Today
Generate Resume ↗Head Of HR
CLINICA SABAH · Dubai
Job Opportunity: Group HR Manager Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Healthcare / Clinical Management (Clinica Sabah Group)Reports to: Executive Director / Managing Director Role Objective We are seeking
Today
Generate Resume ↗Head of Bullion Trading & Business Development
Jewelebrate · Dubai
We are a fully licensed and capitalized physical bullion trading firm. We are seeking a highly connected trading professional to focus exclusively on revenue generation, client acquisition, and trade execution. All admin
Today
Generate Resume ↗Head of People and Culture
Discovered MENA · Abu Dhabi Emirate
Head of People \& Culture High-Growth Technology Scale-up Abu Dhabi Our client is a leading-edge technology organisation at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation. Backed by significant regional i
Yesterday
Generate Resume ↗Head of Product & Strategy
Bamboo Card · Dubai
Head of Product – Bamboo Card (Dubai) We are hiring a Head of Product to lead and scale our product organization at Bamboo Card as we continue to grow our global B2B platform in the rewards, gifting, and fintech s
Yesterday
Generate Resume ↗Head of Infrastructure
Binghatti · Dubai
Binghatti is one of the UAE’s most dynamic and fast-growing property brands, headquartered in Dubai. We’re known for bold architecture, visionary design and partnerships with global luxury icons such as Bugatti, Mercedes
Yesterday
Generate Resume ↗Head of Marketing - Cyber Vendor exp - Up to AED50,000 + variable
Edison Smart® · Dubai
Job Title: Head of Marketing - Must have cyber vendor experience - Up to 50,000 AED + variable Location : UAE Reporting Line : Chief Executive Officer Employment Type : Full-Time About the Company
Yesterday
Generate Resume ↗Stop applying blindly.
Start getting hired.
Base Career automates the hardest parts of job searching — apply smarter, not harder.
AI Resume in 60s
Your resume rewritten for this exact role using the job description as the brief.
ATS-Optimized
Get past automated screening filters with the right keywords matched to each job.
Application Tracker
Track every job, follow-up, and interview in one visual kanban board.
Free plan · No credit card required