Compliance Officer & MLRO

Title: Compliance Officer & MLROLocation: DubaiAbout the ClientOur client is a DFSA regulated asset management firm seeking an experienced Compliance Officer & MLRO to lead its compliance and financial crime prevention framework, ensuring full alignment with DFSA rules and international AML/CFT standards.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as the firm's MLRO subject to DFSA individual authorisation, overseeing AML/CFT policies, procedures and the firm's overall compliance framework.Ensure ongoing compliance with DFSA rulebooks (including AML, GEN, COB, COLL/CIR and SYSC modules), monitoring regulatory developments and updating internal policies and fund documentation accordingly.Design, implement and maintain risk-based AML/KYC procedures for investor onboarding, subscriptions and redemptions, alongside sanctions screening processes.Provide compliance input into fund launches, offering documents (PPMs/prospectuses), valuation policies and ongoing fund governance matters.Oversee compliance monitoring of delegated and outsourced functions (fund administrators, custodians, external managers), ensuring third-party arrangements meet DFSA requirements.Oversee suspicious activity reporting (SARs/STRs) to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and liaise directly with the DFSA on regulatory matters, inspections and filings.Conduct compliance monitoring, gap analysis and independent testing; prepare board and senior management reporting on compliance risk and regulatory matters.Deliver AML/compliance training across the business and act as a key point of contact for regulatory queries, audits and investor due diligence escalations.Support new fund launches, regulatory filings and licensing matters as required.Key RequirementsBachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business or a related discipline; relevant compliance qualifications (ICA, CAMS) preferred.7+ years' compliance experience within financial services, ideally within an asset/fund management environment, with substantial hands-on DFSA experience.Proven experience as an MLRO or in a senior AML/compliance role, with strong working knowledge of DFSA rulebooks (including COLL/CIR) and UAE AML legislation.Experience with fund governance, investor AML/KYC, and oversight of delegated/outsourced service providers.Arabic language skills strongly preferred, alongside fluent English.Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage confidently with regulators, fund boards, senior management and delegates.High attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to work independently in a regulated environment.