Senior Manager - Financial Crime Compliance (Transaction Monitoring)

Overview

• Embark on a journey where your unique contributions are celebrated, and your professional growth is embraced.
• At ADCB, we nurture a diverse, inclusive community where every voice is valued.
• About the business area, Group Compliance & Governance:
• Compliance is an independent function at ADCB which takes an active approach to risk management and monitoring, ensuring the Bank complies with applicable laws, regulations, rules and market standards.
• The Group creates, implements and monitors policies and procedures designed to prevent or detect financial crime and any compliance breaches of the Bank, its employees and clients.
• It also monitors and measures the impact of conduct risk and compliance on the Bank’s risk appetite and profile.
• In this role, your key responsibilities include
• :
• To lead and oversee ADCB’s Transaction Monitoring function within the Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) framework, ensuring effective detection, investigation, and reporting of suspicious activities across the Bank. The role is responsible for driving the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of transaction monitoring controls, systems, and processes in line with CBUAE regulations and FATF standards, while ensuring robust governance, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency
• Lead and manage the end-to-end transaction monitoring function, ensuring timely review and investigation of alerts, identification of suspicious activities, and escalation in line with AML/CFT and sanctions requirements. Provide oversight on alert quality, case management, and decision-making to maintain high investigation standards.
• Define and enhance the transaction monitoring framework, including methodologies, typologies, and risk-based approaches. Ensure alignment with regulatory expectations (CBUAE, FATF) and international best practices.
• Oversee optimization of AML systems, including scenario calibration, threshold setting, and alert tuning to improve effectiveness and reduce false positives. Work closely with technology and vendors on system enhancements and implementation.
• Ensure accurate and timely filing of SARs/STRs and regulatory reporting. Act as a key point of contact for regulators, audits, and internal reviews relating to transaction monitoring activities.
• Contribute to enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk assessments with a focus on transaction monitoring risks. Provide senior management with insights, MI reporting, and emerging risk trends.
• Engage senior stakeholders across business, operations, and compliance to ensure alignment on financial crime risk management. Provide expert advisory on transaction-related risks and controls.
• Lead, develop, and scale the transaction monitoring team, ensuring strong performance management, capability building, and succession planning
• Own and enhance transaction monitoring policies and procedures, ensuring they remain compliant, practical, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Drive ongoing improvements in processes, controls, and investigation quality, incorporating regulatory changes, audit findings, and industry best practices.
• The ideal candidate should have the following experience
• Minimum 7 years of experience in Financial Crime Compliance within banking or financial services
• Bachelors Degree with relevant specialization (mandatory)
• Strong experience leading Transaction Monitoring teams and frameworks
• Proven track record managing AML systems, alert investigations, and regulatory reporting
• Deep expertise in AML/CFT regulations (CBUAE, FATF)
• Strong understanding of transaction monitoring systems and optimization
• Thorough knowledge of AML regulatory framework in UAE and global best practices
• Knowledge of International Banking best practices
• Knowledge of CBUAE AML regulations
• Research skills
• Report writing skills
• Relationship management skills
• Microsoft Office (Word; Excel and PowerPoint)
• Understanding of Banking systems, reports and workflows
• Proven team leader skills, experienced in supervising a team
• What we offer:
• Competitive Salary & Additionally, all employees are eligible to participate in one of our rewarding variable pay plans.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: This includes market-leading medical insurance, group life and personal accident insurance, paid leave and leave airfare, employee preferential rates on loans and finance facilities, staff discounts and offers, and children education assistance (for certain job levels).
• Flexible and Remote Working Options: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, subject to eligibility and job requirements.
• Learning and Development Opportunities: We value and facilitate continuous learning and personal development through a variety of exciting learning opportunities, such as structured instructor-led courses, a comprehensiv