Head of Shariah Audit - Banking

This is a full-time position based in Abu Dhabi. The client offers a full family-relocation package, but the role requires rapid relocation and regular on-site presence in the UAE.

Axiom is looking for an experienced Internal Shari'ah Audit leader to take on a key role within a fast-growing digital bank in Abu Dhabi.

This is a high-visibility mandate to establish and lead independent Shari'ah audit assurance across a growing Islamic banking proposition, with exposure to products, operations, technology, governance and regulatory engagement.

The Company

Our client is an ambitious, technology-led financial institution modernising how individuals and businesses manage their finances across the region.

Combining strong regulatory foundations with the pace and innovation of a fintech, the business offers a digital-first platform across a growing range of financial products and services.

As the organisation expands its Islamic banking offering, it is seeking an accomplished audit leader to build a robust Internal Shari'ah Audit framework and provide clear assurance to senior management, the Board and the Internal Shari'ah Supervisory Committee.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Build and lead the Internal Shari'ah Audit function for the Islamic banking proposition.
• Develop the Shari'ah audit charter, methodology, manuals, risk-assessment framework and annual audit plan.
• Lead risk-based audits across products, transactions, contracts, operations, technology, treasury and digital banking activity.
• Assess the effectiveness of the Internal Shari'ah Control System, including adherence to HSA resolutions, ISSC decisions, AAOIFI standards and CBUAE requirements.
• Issue clear audit reports, present findings to senior management, the Board Audit Committee and the ISSC, and oversee remediation through to closure.
• Partner with Internal Shari'ah Control, Compliance, Risk and business teams while maintaining the independence of the audit function.
• Strengthen Shari'ah audit capability, awareness and accountability across the organisation.

What We're Looking For

• 7–10+ years experience in Internal Shari'ah Audit, Shari'ah compliance or Shari'ah control within an Islamic bank, Islamic Window or financial institution.
• Strong hands-on experience with risk-based audit planning, audit execution, reporting, issue management and remediation.
• In-depth knowledge of AAOIFI Shari'ah Standards, HSA standards, CBUAE regulations and Shari'ah governance requirements.
• Experience auditing Islamic banking products, contracts, operations, treasury, technology or digital banking platforms.
• Credibility presenting findings to senior stakeholders, Audit Committees and Shari'ah Supervisory Committees.
• Relevant degree required; CSAA, CIPA, CIA or a comparable Islamic finance / audit qualification is highly valued.
• A confident, independent leader with sound judgement and the ability to build a function in a fast-moving environment.

Why This Opportunity

The chance to lead Internal Shari'ah Audit within a leading regional neobank and help shape the assurance framework around its next generation of Islamic banking products and platforms.

• Tax-free base salary, excellent performance bonus and full benefits package.
• Full family-relocation support.
• Hybrid working model from a regional HQ alongside global technology and fintech talent.
• High exposure to senior management, Board-level governance and regulatory stakeholders.
• Genuine opportunity to establish and lead a critical control function from the ground up.

Interested

Apply directly through this advert or email your CV to [Confidential Information].