Head of Risk
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About the Role
Confidential Opportunity – Head of Risk (UAE Regulated Financial Services) We are seeking an experienced Head of Risk to join a growing regulated financial services organization in the UAE.
Key Skills for This Role
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Overview
Confidential Opportunity – Head of Risk (UAE Regulated Financial Services)
We are seeking an experienced Head of Risk to join a growing regulated financial services organization in the UAE.
This is a unique opportunity for a risk leader who enjoys building, shaping, and scaling risk functions within a fast-paced environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall risk management framework of the business while remaining closely involved in the operational execution of risk management activities.
The role is subject to regulatory approval and fit-and-proper assessment by the relevant UAE regulatory authority.
The successful candidate will serve as the designated Head of Risk and principal risk management officer for the organization
Unlike larger financial institutions with extensive risk departments, this position requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on execution.
The successful candidate must be comfortable operating at Board and regulator level while also driving the day-to-day development and enhancement of the risk function.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and continuously enhance the Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERM)
- Develop and maintain risk governance structures, policies, and reporting frameworks
- Establish and monitor risk appetite statements, risk registers, and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs)
- Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments across operational, regulatory, technology, strategic, and emerging risks
- Prepare and present risk reporting to Executive Committees, Risk Committees, and Board-level forums
- Act as the primary risk management contact for regulatory engagement and supervisory reviews
- Provide effective challenge and risk oversight across business functions
- Build and develop the Risk function in line with the organization's growth trajectory
- Support the development of a strong risk culture across the organization
Required Experience
- 8-15 years of progressive risk management experience within regulated financial services
- Experience leading or owning an Enterprise Risk Management Framework
- Strong understanding of risk governance, risk appetite, risk assessments, and Board reporting
- Experience within fintech, payments, banking, EMI, acquiring, issuing, lending, or other regulated financial services environments
- Demonstrated experience engaging with regulators, executive management, and governance committees
- Ability to operate effectively in a growth-stage environment where strategic and operational responsibilities coexist
Ideal Candidate
- You will be a strong match if you have:
- Previously held a Head of Risk, Risk Director, Senior Risk Manager, or equivalent position within a regulated financial services environment
- Experience building or enhancing risk frameworks rather than simply maintaining mature structures
- The credibility and capability to satisfy regulatory fit-and-proper requirements for a Head of Risk appointment
- A pragmatic and commercial approach to risk management
- The willingness to remain involved in operational delivery while leading the strategic direction of the function
Please Note
This role is best suited to candidates who enjoy combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution. Individuals whose experience is limited to highly specialized risk functions within large organizations, or whose background is primarily audit, compliance advisory, assurance, or consulting without direct ownership of enterprise risk management, may find the scope and nature of this position less aligned to their experience.
All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence
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