AML & KYC Lead

Madison Pearl is partnering with a leading UAE Bank to appoint an AML & KYC Lead to join its Compliance function, based in Abu Dhabi.This is a key role within the bank's Financial Crime Compliance team, reporting to the Head of AML. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and enhancing the bank's AML, KYC and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) framework, ensuring compliance with UAE regulatory requirements while strengthening financial crime controls, governance, and risk management practices.The role offers the opportunity to drive strategic AML initiatives, oversee enterprise-wide financial crime risk assessments, and implement best-in-class controls across customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and regulatory compliance.Key Responsibilities:Lead the development, implementation, and enhancement of the bank's AML/CFT policies, procedures, and governance framework.Oversee KYC onboarding, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and periodic customer review processes.Conduct AML/CFT gap assessments and lead remediation initiatives to ensure compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations and international standards.Drive financial crime typology assessments and translate emerging risks into effective monitoring scenarios and control enhancements.Lead enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for emerging financial crime risks.Oversee transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, investigations, and Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) processes.Support the implementation and optimisation of AML systems, data analytics, automation, and case management tools.Partner with Compliance, Risk, Operations, IT, Internal Audit, and business stakeholders to strengthen the bank's financial crime framework.Design and deliver AML, KYC, and CFT training programmes to promote a strong compliance culture across the organisation.Key Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Risk Management, or a related discipline.CAMS, ICA, or an equivalent AML certification is highly preferred.8–12+ years of experience in AML, KYC, Financial Crime Compliance, or Financial Crime Risk within the banking sector.Strong knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations, FATF standards, and regulatory expectations.Proven experience in AML gap assessments, financial crime typology analysis, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and risk-based customer due diligence.Experience leading regulatory remediation programmes, policy enhancements, and control improvements.Excellent analytical, stakeholder management, leadership, and communication skills.Interested candidates please apply to this advertisement directly or send your CV to rayhaan.hajat@madisonpearl.com *Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted*