Role Overview
This role represents a senior leadership appointment for an experienced Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) within a Dubai-based organisation operating in a complex, high-standards environment. The MLRO holds end-to-end accountability for the governance, effectiveness, and continuous evolution of the organisation's AML/CFT framework, ensuring alignment with UAE AML legislation, relevant supervisory expectations, and international best practice.
The position requires a mature compliance leader with strong regulatory judgment, operational depth, and the ability to influence decision-making at the highest levels. The successful candidate will bring significant experience from Corporate Service Providers, banks, or financial institutions, and will operate at a level comparable to senior MLRO appointments within regulated financial environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Assume formal responsibility as Money Laundering Reporting Officer, ensuring full compliance with UAE AML/CFT laws and applicable supervisory requirements
- Set the strategic direction for the AML/CFT framework, including the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Act as the primary interface with competent authorities, including the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), as required
- Provide oversight of all customer lifecycle controls, including CDD, EDD, KYC onboarding, and ongoing monitoring
- Review, assess, and escalate suspicious activity, ensuring accurate and timely submission of STRs/SARs
- Lead enterprise-wide AML risk assessments, ensuring risks are clearly identified, documented, and mitigated
- Advise senior management on AML/CFT risk exposure, regulatory obligations, and governance matters, supporting informed decision-making
- Monitor regulatory and legislative developments and translate requirements into practical, effective implementation
- Oversee sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and AML-related systems and controls
- Design and deliver AML/CFT training to embed a strong, risk-aware compliance culture across the organisation
- Ensure robust documentation, record-keeping, and audit readiness in line with statutory and supervisory expectations
Candidate Profile
- 5+ years of progressive AML/compliance experience within Corporate Service Providers, banks, financial institutions, or similarly complex environments
- Demonstrated experience operating at MLRO or equivalent senior AML leadership level
- Strong working knowledge of UAE AML/CFT legislation, Cabinet Decisions, and international standards, including FATF
- Exposure to DIFC/DFSA, ADGM, or other regulated environments is advantageous but not essential
- Proven track record of engaging with authorities, managing audits, and leading regulatory reviews
- Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent are strongly preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related discipline
Key Skills & Attributes
- Deep technical expertise in AML/CFT frameworks and risk-based compliance
- Sound professional judgment, independence, and consistently high ethical standards
- Clear, concise communicator capable of engaging credibly with senior leadership and external stakeholders
- Structured, analytical, and detail-oriented approach to complex regulatory matters
- Highly discreet and trusted with sensitive and confidential information
Benefits & Value Proposition
- Senior leadership role with meaningful influence over governance and risk strategy
- High degree of autonomy and visibility with executive decision-makers
- Opportunity to shape and strengthen AML/CFT frameworks within a complex operating environment
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with seniority and responsibility
- Long-term career stability and professional credibility within a high-standards organisation
Application
Interested candidates are invited to apply via LinkedIn or send their CV and a brief motivation letter to [Confidential Information]
