Head of Compliance

Job Purpose:

To lead the compliance and risk functions at Al Ain Finance by ensuring robust implementation of regulatory compliance and enterprise risk management frameworks. The role is critical in overseeing compliance with Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) regulations, internal policies, and risk mitigation across all business lines.

Principal Accountabilities:

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with CBUAE laws, circulars, and regulatory guidelines.
• Act as a central point of contact and SME for market conduct, AML/CFT, and other regulatory compliance areas.
• Manage regulatory reporting obligations including submissions via IEMS and GoAML portals as a checker.
• Lead and coordinate responses to regulatory examinations, inspections, and inquiries.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with regulatory authorities and law enforcement.
• Review and interpret regulatory notices, allocate responsibilities to relevant stakeholders, and ensure deadlines and key actions are tracked and completed.

Policy Frameworks & Implementation

• Develop, review, and update compliance policies, procedures, and manuals in line with evolving regulations.
• Ensure compliance programs effectively prevent, detect, and respond to regulatory breaches or internal policy violations.
• Champion the implementation of the Consumer Protection Framework, and ensure alignment with CBUAE's conduct risk requirements.
• Provide guidance to departments and staff on regulatory interpretations and implementation.

Risk Management

• Develop and maintain the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework.
• Conduct annual and periodic risk assessments and present risk reports to the Audit Committee and executive management.
• Monitor key risk indicators (KRIs), escalate red flags, and support implementation of corrective actions.
• Coordinate regulatory risk reporting across departments.
• Track and follow up on compliance gap assessments and propose sustainable risk mitigation strategies.

AML/CFT & Sanctions Compliance

• Oversee implementation and effectiveness of the AML/CFT compliance program
• Monitor suspicious transactions and ensure accurate and timely filing of STRs with the GoAML.
• Conduct oversight on customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and sanctions screening processes.
• Prepare GoAML reports and contribute to ML/TF risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with FATCA/CRS requirements, including collection and validation of self-certifications.
• Provide training and awareness programs on AML/CFT, sanctions, and regulatory requirements to management and staff.

Conduct Risk & Consumer Protection

• Set up and maintain the Conduct Risk Management Framework, embedding ethical standards and customer-first culture.
• Manage customer complaints and regulatory correspondence related to consumer protection matters.
• Serve as SME for conduct risk and market behavior expectations, guiding business units on ethical standards and regulatory alignment.

Training & Awareness

• Design, deliver, and manage the annual compliance training calendar.
• Conduct orientation and refresher sessions for AML/CFT, conduct risk, sanctions, and consumer protection.
• Raise awareness among staff on emerging regulatory issues and foster a culture of compliance and integrity.

Stakeholder Engagement & Internal Collaboration

• Coordinate with Legal, HR, Finance, Operations, and other business units to embed compliance into day-to-day operations.
• Lead internal efforts to maintain high standards of conduct, and ensure controls meet regulatory expectations.
• Support new product/service reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory expectations.

Monitoring, Testing & Problem Solving

• Conduct compliance monitoring and testing programs across business functions.
• Manage and maintain internal compliance registers (e.g., complaints, breaches, policies).
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in compliance practices, systems, and risk controls.
• Take active ownership in problem-solving and crisis management for critical regulatory or reputational issues.

Experience:

10-12 years of experience in Compliance, Risk Management, or related regulatory roles within the UAE financial services or banking sector, including a minimum of 5 years in a managerial or supervisory capacity with demonstrated ability to lead compliance functions and influence cross-functional teams.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of CBUAE regulations, UAE financial laws, and global regulatory frameworks (AML/CFT, Consumer Protection, FATCA/CRS).
• Expertise in conduct risk, market behavior standards, and enterprise risk management frameworks.
• Strong understanding of compliance systems such as GOAML, IEMS, and regulatory reporting portals.
• Advanced analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.