Head of Compliance/MLRO

The Role
Head of Compliance / MLRO – Global Bank Location: Dubai, UAE The Role: We are currently seeking a highly experienced Head of Compliance / MLRO to join a leading Global Bank in Dubai. This senior role offers the opportunity to take full ownership of regulatory compliance, financial crime risk, and the overall governance framework within the organization. You will be responsible for shaping and implementing compliance strategies, overseeing regulatory affairs, and acting as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). The role requires a seasoned professional with a comprehensive understanding of compliance regulations, the ability to lead a team, and a proven track record in managing complex regulatory and financial crime risk issues. Key Responsibilities: -Regulatory Compliance: Lead the compliance function, ensuring full adherence to relevant regulations and local laws. -Financial Crime Risk Management: Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and procedures to mitigate financial crime risks, including money laundering, fraud, and terrorist financing. =Policy and Procedure Development: Draft and maintain internal compliance policies and procedures in line with regulatory requirements, ensuring that they are robust and up to date. -Client Onboarding: Review and approve client onboarding processes, ensuring comprehensive KYC (Know Your Customer) checks, enhanced due diligence (EDD), and overall compliance with the bank’s high standards for client acceptance. -Board & Senior Management Advisory: Provide regular advice to the board of directors and senior management on regulatory and compliance matters, including emerging regulatory changes, risk mitigation strategies, and business impact assessments. -Regulatory Liaison: Manage relationships with regulatory authorities, and other supervisory bodies, ensuring effective communication and the resolution of compliance-related issues. -Compliance and Risk Assessments: Conduct comprehensive compliance risk assessments, ensuring that the bank’s activities and strategies are fully compliant with applicable regulations and industry best practices. -Compliance Training: Coordinate and lead regular compliance training programs for staff across various departments, ensuring a strong culture of compliance and keeping all employees informed of regulatory changes and internal procedures. -Monitoring and Reporting: Oversee ongoing monitoring of transactions, systems, and activities to detect and report any suspicious activity, ensuring that all regulatory reporting requirements are met. -Audit and Regulatory Inspections: Prepare for and manage internal and external audits, regulatory inspections, and assessments, addressing findings and ensuring timely resolution of any issues identified. -Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing compliance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the department.

Requirements
The Ideal Candidate: -A minimum of 6+ years of experience in compliance, with a focus on financial crime risk and regulatory compliance within banking or financial services. -Exposure to both onshore (UAE CB) and offshore (DFSA/FSRA) regulatory jurisdictions will be useful. -If working in a UAE offshore jurisdiction (DFSA/FSRA), should have held authorised individual status, or an equivalent in other markets such as FCA(MLRO, SMF16/SM17.) -Strong track record of leading a compliance team, with a focus on team development, mentoring, and performance management. -In-depth regulatory knowledge with the ability to interpret and implement complex regulatory requirements into practical business solutions. -A solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing regulatory environments and business needs. -Proven ability to build strong, professional relationships with internal stakeholders, regulators, and other third parties. -Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex regulatory issues to senior management and the board. -A proactive, hands-on approach, with the capability to roll up your sleeves and engage with the team to solve compliance challenges. -A relevant compliance certification (e.g., ICA, ACAMS) is highly regarded. -Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in Arabic would be an advantage. Why Apply? This is a highly prestigious opportunity for a seasoned compliance professional looking to take on a leadership role in a dynamic and growing global bank. You will have the chance to shape and oversee compliance strategy at a senior level, drive a robust culture of regulatory adherence, and work alongside senior executives to mitigate risk across the organization. This role is ideal for someone looking for a challenging and impactful opportunity with significant leadership responsibility

About the company
Venture Search is an international banking & financial services search firm, combining technology and human skill to enhance all aspects of the hiring process. By combining advanced search technology and a market-leading team, we are able to attract the most talented candidates in the banking and financial services sector. Here at Venture Search, we are passionate about building world-class teams and delivering long-term recruitment solutions. Ventures focus spans multiple facets of the global Financial Services industry, including Banking, Non-Banking Financial Institutions, Buyside, Fintechs, and Advisory firms.