Compliance Officer & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (CO/MLRO)

Location: DIFC, Dubai, UAE

A leading international banking group is seeking an experienced Compliance Officer & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (CO/MLRO) to join its Dubai-based regulated branch.

This is a senior, high-visibility role responsible for leading the compliance and AML/CFT framework of a growing financial institution operating across international markets. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening governance arrangements, supporting regulatory growth initiatives, and acting as a trusted advisor to senior management and business teams.

Key Responsibilities

Hold responsibility for the Compliance Officer and MLRO functions, subject to regulatory approval.
Act as the primary compliance contact with the regulator, managing regulatory engagement, notifications, reporting and inspections.
Own and enhance the firm's compliance framework, including policies, procedures, compliance monitoring programme and governance documentation.
Lead the AML/CFT framework, including customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting.
Provide practical compliance advice to front-office teams on corporate banking activities, trade finance, lending and financial institution relationships.
Oversee client onboarding and periodic reviews across corporate, institutional and higher-risk client segments.
Deliver compliance and AML training and promote a strong compliance culture across the organisation.
Prepare compliance reporting for senior management, governance committees and Group stakeholders.
Support regulatory projects, including business growth initiatives, systems implementation and licence enhancement activities.

Candidate Requirements

Previous experience as a DFSA Authorised Individual (Compliance Officer and/or MLRO), or a strong DIFC regulatory track record enabling a successful approval process.
Minimum 7 years compliance experience within the DIFC or comparable regulated financial services environment.
Strong knowledge of the DFSA Rulebook, UAE AML/CFT requirements and financial crime regulations.
Banking experience with exposure to corporate banking, trade finance, lending, syndicated facilities or financial institutions preferred.
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining compliance frameworks within regulated firms.
Strong understanding of KYC, sanctions, transaction monitoring and regulatory reporting requirements.
Ability to operate as a hands-on compliance leader, balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day execution.
Professional qualifications such as ICA, ACAMS or equivalent are advantageous.
Fluency in English is required; Arabic would be an advantage.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a key regulatory function within an international banking platform, working closely with senior leadership and regulators while supporting the continued development of a growing business.

Compliance Officer & MLRO