Head of Financial Crime & MLRO | Dubai, UAE
About the Role
We are partnering with a leading international banking group with a strong presence across the Middle East to recruit a Head of Financial Crime & MLRO.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the bank's financial crime and AML/CTF frameworks across the UAE and Qatar, while supporting regional initiatives and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the MLRO (must be fully-registered) for UAE and Qatar, overseeing regulatory reporting and escalation of suspicious activity
- Lead and maintain robust financial crime programs, covering AML/CTF, sanctions, fraud prevention, and anti-bribery & corruption.
- Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments, monitoring, and reporting to senior management and regulatory authorities.
- Develop, maintain, and enhance policies, procedures, and governance frameworks aligned with local and international regulations.
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on regulatory compliance, financial crime risk, and emerging threats.
- Oversee the implementation and testing of financial crime systems, including transaction monitoring and KYC/CDD processes.
- Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of compliance and financial crime professionals.
- Ensure proactive engagement with regulators and timely submission of regulatory filings, including STR/SAR reporting.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience as a currently and fully registered MLRO in a banking or financial institution
- Strong knowledge of AML/CTF, sanctions, fraud, and anti-bribery & corruption frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements in the UAE, Qatar, and international standards (e.g., DFSA, UAE Central Bank, FATF).
- Background in corporate banking, trade finance, or regional compliance leadership is a must.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Relevant certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent are highly desirable.
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
What We Offer
- Senior leadership exposure in a regional role across the Middle East.
- Opportunity to shape and influence financial crime and compliance frameworks.
- Work in a dynamic environment with cross-border responsibilities.
*We kindly request that only candidates who meet all the required qualifications apply. This helps us ensure a faster and more focused recruitment process.*
