AML Manager (Middle East) - Dubai or Doha

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is an SRA-regulated firm of solicitors headquartered in the UK which has offices in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, including 3 branch offices of the UK LLP in the DIFC in Dubai, Doha (Qatar) and Manama (Bahrain). This role would be based in Dubai, although there is an option for the successful candidate to be based in Doha part or all of the time instead if they prefer.

The majority of the firm’s Compliance and Risk (C&R) Team is based in London and led by the firm’s General Counsel. The C&R Team advises the firm on all aspects of its legal and regulatory duties, including financial crime compliance, SRA STaRS, risk management, client engagement terms, complaints and claims, internal investigations, insurance, governance, external vendor contracts and data privacy.

Within the C&R Team sits the New Business Intake function, led by the Head of NBI who reports to the Director of Compliance. The NBI team handles all aspects of on-boarding new clients and ongoing client monitoring where required, including AML and client due diligence (CDD), sanctions checks and conflict checking for the entire firm. The NBI team members are not legally qualified, although many have law degrees and/or specialist AML certifications. The firm also has a small specialist AML and financial crime Compliance team in the Middle East led by the ME MLRO based in Dubai, to whom this role would report.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the role will be to support the MLRO for the Middle East and the firm’s Director of Compliance in ensuring the Middle East offices comply with the relevant AML regulations and any applicable sanctions regimes. The AML Manager role has become available due to an internal promotion of the current Senior AML Manager in Dubai to a regional MLRO role.

The role will require some travel between the firm’s Middle East offices and possibly occasionally to the UK.

The primary responsibility of the role will be to support the Middle East MLRO and Director of Compliance in ensuring that the ME offices comply with the relevant AML, CFT, CPF and sanctions laws and regulations. This role involves close collaboration with fee earners and other staff across the firm to help drive the firm’s strategy and provide an effective and commercial service. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting and guiding the Compliance & Risk Team to monitor, report, and manage the risks while ensuring compliance with all the relevant rules. The role requires direct engagement with senior partners and stakeholders across the firm to ensure that the right balance is achieved between business goals and regulatory requirements. The candidate will also engage with local regulators, ensuring that we provide the right information at the right time and respond to any regulator requests for information.

The main duties of the role are:

• Collaborate with the MLRO to implement and uphold robust AML/CFT frameworks within the Firm’s operations in Dubai, Qatar, and Bahrain.
• Ensure strict compliance with the relevant AML regulations (e.g. DFSA, QFCRA, Bahrain MOJ and SRA) and firm policies and procedures.
• Oversee client onboarding processes and assist the MLRO in ensuring robust CDD/EDD measures in line with regulatory expectations.
• Provide expert advice to fee-earners on queries concerning source of funds, complex corporate structures, or any AML-related queries in the ME.
• Participate in the investigations of suspicious activities and in the drafting and filing of STRs/SARs with the relevant authorities across various jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with the Head of NBI and the compliance team to ensure ongoing monitoring and sanctions screening are conducted as per regulatory standards.
• Monitor changes in local AML regulations and support the integration of these changes into the firm’s policies and procedures.
• Assist the MLRO and Director of Compliance in managing audits and inspections by the different regulators.
• Contribute to discussions with auditors regarding the independent AML audit.
• Assist in preparing regular AML compliance reports to the Senior Management including the Qatar MLRO Report.
• Work with the MLRO and Director of Compliance on strategic AML initiatives and assist them in conducting the AML,CFT,CPF and Sanctions Business Risk Assessment for Dubai and Qatar.
• Take ownership of our regulatory reporting requirements namely the preparation of the different AML Returns in Dubai, Qatar, and Bahrain including coordinating with the relevant stakeholders.
• Support the MLRO in fostering a strong compliance culture by providing the necessary guidance to the fee-earners and drafting internal communications and updates.
• Assist in the creation of a tailored training program for the ME offices and the compliance team.
• Oversee the Quality Assurance Program for the Dubai Office.
• The candidate may be asked to undertake a Deputy MLRO role (subject to experience and regulator approval).

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in AML/CFT compliance, ideally within an international law firm familiar with DFSA and QFCRA regulations.

• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of AML regulations in the legal sector including those from DFSA, QFCRA and International FATF Standards for Legal Professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate with senior legal professionals, regulators, and senior management.
• A strong understanding of SRA rules is a highly beneficial.
• Must have a good understanding of the applicable international sanctions regimes, especially UK and EU sanctions relating to Russia.
• Skilled in conducting risk assessments, due diligence procedures, and suspicious activity reporting.
• Experience in preparing and delivering training.
• Familiarity with the DFSA and goAML portals is an advantage.

• Fluency in English is essential. Arabic language skills would be an advantage.
• Professional AML certification (ACAMS or ICA) required (we may consider candidates with sufficient experience who are willing to gain such certification in short order following their appointment).
• A client and service-focused approach with the ability to work commercially and pragmatically with the business to achieve its goals within the relevant regulatory regimes and to balance the commercial and compliance risks.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage regulatory deadlines effectively.
• Comfortable with working autonomously, taking initiative where necessary.
• Able to analyse and investigate complex issues, identify risks, and evaluate suspicious activities.
• Committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and integrity.
• Able to build strong relationships with colleagues at all levels across the firm, including at Senior Management level.
• Credible with influencing skills.
• Proficient in conveying challenging decisions and messages through effective communication.
• Resilient and adaptable, with a responsive approach to work.
• Decisive and proactive in decision-making processes.
• Self-motivated and able to take ownership and assume responsibility.

• Client service
• Integrity and respect
• Interpersonal skills
• Ethical judgement
• Delivery focus
• Collaboration and team-working
• Effective time management
• Commercial mindset

At a glance