Head of Compliance of a Category 5 CMA license applicant

On behalf of our client, we are seeking a qualified and experienced Head of Compliance to oversee the organisation’s compliance framework and ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, regulatory standards, and internal policies. The successful candidate will play a key role in regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), financial crime prevention, risk monitoring, and the promotion of a strong compliance culture across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Monitor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
Oversee anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), sanctions compliance, and financial crime prevention measures, as applicable.
Establish and maintain appropriate customer due diligence (CDD) and know-your-customer (KYC) processes.
Identify, assess, and monitor compliance risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
Provide compliance guidance and training to management and employees.
Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the organisation.
Coordinate regulatory reporting, compliance reviews, internal audits, and regulatory inspections, where applicable.
Investigate compliance concerns and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
Prepare compliance reports for senior management and the Board of Directors or relevant governing body.
Promote ethical conduct, regulatory awareness, and a culture of accountability throughout the organisation.

Qualifications and Experience

Route 1: University Qualification

A university degree or certificate, together with at least five (5) years of experience in financial markets or a relevant field.

Route 2: Diploma or Lower Qualification

A diploma or lower-level educational qualification, together with at least ten (10) years of experience in financial markets or a relevant field.

Alternative Qualification Route

Candidates with at least five (5) years of experience in financial markets or a relevant field may also qualify through one of the following alternative professional qualifications, subject to applicable regulatory requirements:

Master Financial qualification.
ICA Certificate in Compliance.
ICA International Advanced Certificate in Regulatory Compliance.
ICA Advanced Certificate in Legal Compliance.
ICA Certificate in Regulatory Compliance or the applicable recognised ICA regulatory qualification.
ICA International Advanced Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering.
ICA Advanced Certificate in Practical Customer Due Diligence.
ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Fraud.
ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Sanctions Risk.
ICA Specialist Certificate in Financial Crime Risk in Global Banking and Markets.
ICA Specialist Certificate in Money Laundering Risk in New Technology.
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS/ACAMS).

Required Skills and Competencies

Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and financial services requirements.
Understanding of AML/CTF, KYC/CDD, sanctions, and financial crime risk management.
Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication, reporting, and stakeholder management abilities.
High standards of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Ability to exercise independent judgement and escalate material compliance risks appropriately.

Residency Requirement:

Must be a UAE resident

Salary: AED 22,000–30,000 per month (gross, inclusive of applicable allowances)

Benefits: Company-provided medical insurance, statutory annual leave and public holidays, applicable sick leave, employer-funded employment visa/work permit where required, and end-of-service benefits in accordance with applicable UAE employment laws.

Application Requirement:

Applicants must be UAE residents and meet at least one of the applicable qualification and experience pathways.