About the Role
As a founding member of the compliance function at the company, you will have the opportunity to establish and shape the compliance framework from the ground up. This pivotal role involves being the main point of contact with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and managing the day-to-day compliance operations. You will collaborate closely with various teams, including Client Onboarding, Operations, Product, Engineering, Legal, and our financial partners. As the company grows, so too will the compliance function and your role within it.
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What You’ll Do
- Own the relationship with the CBUAE, managing correspondence, inspections, information requests, and supervisory dialogue while establishing strong working relationships with UAE regulatory bodies and partners.
- Lead the compliance workstream of our CBUAE licensing program, ensuring readiness for audits once licensed.
- Execute our compliance framework by ensuring policies, procedures, controls, and a risk-based Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP) are implemented and effectively managed.
- Conduct our Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA) and regular compliance reviews, translating findings into actionable solutions.
- Oversee our Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) program as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), which includes standards for Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Business (KYB), sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) filing.
- Monitor regulatory changes, assess their impact on the business, and drive implementation with relevant parties.
- Prepare compliance reports for the CBUAE, along with updates for senior management and the Board.
- Design efficient, technology-driven compliance processes and integrate compliance considerations into product development, marketing, and customer service from the onset.
What We’re Looking For
Must Have
- A minimum of 7 years' experience in compliance or AML/CFT within regulated financial services, fintech, or payments, including experience leading compliance workstreams or small teams.
- Direct involvement with the CBUAE, including managing inspections, licensing, or regulatory submissions.
- Strong understanding of UAE AML/CFT laws and the CBUAE compliance framework, particularly regarding Stored Value Facilities and Retail Payment Services regulations.
- Proven track record in building compliance frameworks rather than merely maintaining them.
- Ability to write clearly and concisely, with the confidence to communicate compliance matters to senior leadership and regulators effectively.
- Eligibility for CBUAE approval as a compliance officer or MLRO.
Nice to Have
- Experience in card issuing, corporate cards, B2B fintech, or payments.
- Practical experience with goAML, screening, and transaction monitoring systems.
- Familiarity with other GCC regulators.
- Proficiency in professional Arabic, including the ability to draft regulatory correspondence.
