Compliance Manager & MLRO

Title: Compliance Manager & MLRO Location: Dubai About the ClientOur client is a DFSA-regulated investment and wealth management firm based in the DIFC. They are seeking an experienced Compliance Manager & MLRO to lead their compliance and financial crime framework, ensuring full alignment with DFSA rules, DIFC legislation, and UAE and international AML/CFT and sanctions requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as the firm's Compliance Manager and MLRO (subject to DFSA approval), maintaining an effective compliance and AML/CFT framework.Ensure ongoing compliance with the DFSA Rulebook, DIFC legislation and regulatory guidance, and update policies, procedures and controls as regulations change.Oversee client onboarding, KYC, CDD and EDD, including review of risk ratings, source of wealth, source of funds and beneficial ownership.Oversee PEP, sanctions and adverse media screening, and monitor transactions and client activity for unusual or suspicious behaviour.Investigate potential breaches and financial crime concerns, decide on SAR/STR filings to the UAE FIU, and maintain full records of reviews and investigations.Design and run a risk-based compliance monitoring and testing programme, and recommend corrective action where breaches are found.Advise senior management, Relationship Managers, Investment Advisors and Operations on compliance matters.Deliver compliance, AML/CFT and sanctions training across the business.Prepare and submit regulatory notifications, reports and returns, and maintain the regulatory register and compliance calendar.Act as the main point of contact for the DFSA, external auditors and legal advisers, and support regulatory inspections, audits and internal reviews.Escalate compliance issues promptly to senior management and the board, and promote a strong culture of integrity and accountability.Key RequirementsBachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Business or a related discipline.Relevant certification such as CAMS, ICA or CISI (or equivalent).5–8 years' compliance and AML/CFT experience in UAE financial services, ideally within the DIFC and an investment, asset or wealth management firm.Previous MLRO experience within a DFSA-regulated firm is highly desirable.Strong knowledge of DFSA rules, UAE AML/CFT legislation, sanctions, KYC, CDD and EDD.Hands-on experience with World-Check or similar screening and client risk assessment tools.Solid understanding of investment management, wealth management, private banking and client onboarding.Excellent analytical, investigative and communication skills, with sound independent judgement and discretion.