Compliance Manager & MLRO

JOB TITLE: Compliance Manager & MLROLOCATION: Dubai, United Arab EmiratesKEY RESPONSIBILITIESLead the Compliance and AML/CFT function, ensuring compliance with CBUAE regulations, including the Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) Regulation. Serve as the appointed MLRO, overseeing AML/CFT, CPF, sanctions compliance, EWRA, CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, STR/SAR reporting, and financial crime investigations. Develop and maintain compliance policies, governance frameworks, regulatory obligations, and the annual Compliance Monitoring Programme. Monitor regulatory developments, provide compliance advice on new products and strategic initiatives, and support regulatory approvals. Lead regulatory inspections, audits, independent reviews, and reporting to Senior Management and the Board. Oversee compliance across merchant acquiring, payment aggregation, payment account and payment instrument issuance, and domestic fund transfer services. Review high-risk merchants and business relationships while fostering a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct. Build and maintain effective relationships with regulators, banking partners, and card schemes.QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSBachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, Accounting, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, CFCS, CFE, or equivalent preferred. 8+ years in Compliance, AML/CFT, or Financial Crime, with at least 5 years in a senior Compliance/MLRO role in the UAE. Strong working knowledge of CBUAE regulations, UAE AML/CFT framework, FATF standards, Targeted Financial Sanctions, and payment industry regulations. Experience in merchant acquiring, payment aggregation, digital payments, regulatory inspections, and external audits is preferred.KEY COMPETENCIESRegulatory Compliance & AML/CFT MLRO & Financial Crime Compliance Governance, Risk & Regulatory Advisory Compliance Monitoring & Testing Merchant & Product Risk Management Leadership & Stakeholder Management Strong communication, report writing, and decision-making skills