Senior Governance, Risk & Compliance Officer

About the Role

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain a comprehensive governance, risk and compliance framework
• Conduct regular compliance monitoring, internal audits and risk assessments
• Oversee AML/CFT program, including transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting
• Perform KYC/CDD reviews and sanctions screening on clients and transactions
• Liaise with UAE regulatory bodies and ensure timely submission of regulatory returns
• Collaborate with business units to interpret and apply regulatory requirements
• Prepare and present detailed compliance and risk reports to senior management and regulators
• Develop and deliver training programs on compliance, AML/CFT and risk management
• Manage relationships with regulators, auditors and internal stakeholders
• Monitor emerging regulatory changes and implement mitigation strategies

Required Qualifications

• 5–8 years of governance, risk and compliance experience in financial services
• Proven expertise in compliance monitoring, regulatory compliance, AML/CFT, KYC/CDD and sanctions screening
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
• Excellent report writing and analytical abilities
• Experience delivering compliance and risk training sessions
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration or related field
• Deep knowledge of UAE regulatory environment and local licensing requirements
• Fluency in English; Arabic language skills preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or equivalent AML certification
• Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) or similar
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Experience in banking or financial services within the UAE/GCC region
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 27001 and other international standards
• Proficiency in Arabic