Head of Compliance

SUCCESS PROFILE

Job Title: Head of Compliance

Reports to: Board of Directors

Role: Full time

Location: Abu Dhabi

Company Details

Our client is a financial institution licensed to provide a comprehensive range of banking products and services. Built on a foundation of resilience and innovation, it has grown into a trusted provider of financial solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions. The organisation is deeply committed to financial inclusion, social responsibility, and aligning with global best practices in financial services and technology.

Job Purpose

The Head of Compliance will be responsible for ensuring that the organization adheres to and operates within its specific license requirements under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), as well as the ongoing regulatory compliance obligations of local regulatory bodies. You will be accountable for initiating and overseeing compliance processes, policies, and procedures, while working closely with senior management to maintain a strong culture of compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance Framework

• Develop, maintain, and enhance the Bank's compliance framework to ensure alignment with FSRA regulations, ADGM requirements, and leading market practices.
• Oversee timely and accurate regulatory, board, and senior management reporting.

Advisory Role

• Provide senior management and staff with clear, practical guidance on the application of compliance laws, regulations, and standards.
• Keep management informed of relevant regulatory developments and industry trends.
• Collaborate with the Legal function, where necessary, to ensure consistent interpretation and application of regulatory requirements.
• Advise on the adequacy of risk management processes, including risk identification, mitigation, and control programs, to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and industry standards.

Training and Awareness

• Support senior management in fostering a culture of compliance across the Bank.
• Design and deliver training programs and awareness sessions for employees on compliance and risk-related matters.
• Serve as the central point of contact for staff queries relating to compliance and risk issues.

Risk and Compliance Assessment

• Proactively identify, document, and assess compliance, regulatory, and corporate business risks associated with the Bank's operations.
• Conduct periodic reviews to ensure effective risk mitigation and control measures are in place.

Monitoring and Oversight

• Establish, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Compliance and Risk Monitoring Program to detect and prevent breaches of laws, regulations, or internal policies.
• Report key findings to senior management and recommend appropriate remediation actions.

Regulatory and Industry Engagement

• Act as the Bank's principal liaison with the FSRA and other relevant regulatory or industry bodies.
• Maintain constructive relationships with regulatory officials, peer compliance officers, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure the Bank's responses to regulatory inquiries, inspections, and reporting obligations are timely and accurate.

Financial Crime Compliance (AML/CFT)

• Oversee the Bank's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) framework.
• Conduct an annual risk assessment on all clients and ad-hoc reviews when required.
• Conduct client risk assessments as part of due diligence process.
• Ensure effective AML transaction monitoring systems and processes are in place.
• Escalate and report suspicious activity in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Skills and Experience (essential to any successful application)

• At least 1015 years of progressive compliance and regulatory experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior compliance leadership role within a financial institution (preferably in wholesale, investment, or retail banking).
• Strong understanding of the ADGM regulatory framework, FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority) rulebooks, and broader UAE financial regulatory landscape. Experience liaising with regulators and managing regulatory inspections is essential.
• Familiarity with international financial regulations, including AML/CFT (FATF recommendations), sanctions (OFAC, UN, EU, UK HMT), and best practices in conduct and prudential compliance.
• Demonstrated track record of building and overseeing compliance frameworks, including compliance monitoring, risk assessments, and policy development aligned with Category 1 bank requirements.
• Proven experience leading compliance teams, engaging with the Board and senior management, and influencing business strategy while safeguarding regulatory integrity.

Skills

• Ability to represent the bank in discussions with ADGM FSRA and other regulatory bodies, ensuring proactive and constructive relationships.
• Strong ability to balance business growth objectives with compliance obligations, embedding a culture of compliance across the institution.
• Skilled in identifying regulatory, operational, and reputational risks and implementing proportionate controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to deliver clear compliance advice to business units and prepare reports for senior management and regulators.
• Experience developing and implementing compliance training programs, fostering awareness, and promoting ethical conduct throughout the organization.
• Understanding of RegTech solutions, transaction monitoring systems, and data-driven compliance tools to support efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• CAMS certification.