Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
Our client a leading fintech firm is seeking a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to lead and build their AML/CFT function. This is a high-impact, Board-facing role with full ownership of the financial crime framework as the business scales. The successful candidate will carry personal regulatory accountability for AML/CFT compliance under UAE law and act as the primary liaison with regulators.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and continuously enhance the AML/CFT framework in line with UAE regulations, Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority requirements, and Financial Action Task Force standards
- Act as the designated MLRO, receiving, assessing, and determining all internal suspicious activity reports
- File Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the Financial Intelligence Unit via the GoAML platform
- Oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), including PEP screening, sanctions screening, and source of funds verification
- Lead ongoing transaction monitoring and manage third-party AML/compliance vendors
- Develop and maintain the enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk assessment, ensuring it reflects business and regulatory changes
- Deliver clear monthly reporting to the Board, including STR activity, risk exposure, and key compliance metrics
- Act as the primary point of contact with VARA, the UAE FIU, and other regulatory authorities
- Ensure sanctions compliance through robust screening frameworks and automated tools
- Implement and oversee Travel Rule compliance for cross-VASP transactions in line with FATF Recommendation 16
- Maintain AML/CFT records in accordance with UAE regulatory requirements (minimum 8 years)
- Coordinate with internal audit on AML/CFT controls testing and ensure timely remediation of findings
- Design and deliver AML/CFT training across the organisation (onboarding and annual refreshers)
Candidate Requirements:
- Minimum 2 years experience in AML/CFT compliance, ideally within a VASP, fintech, or regulated financial institution
- Strong working knowledge of UAE AML/CFT legislation, VARA rulebooks, and FATF guidance on virtual assets
- Hands-on experience with STR filing and regulatory engagement
- Solid understanding of blockchain, virtual asset transactions, and on-chain analytics
- Ability to operate independently and build scalable compliance frameworks from the ground up
- UAE-based or open to immediate relocation
