Compliance Officer (Exchange House)

About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced compliance officer. This is a Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) approved role, requiring an individual who is experienced as an approved Compliance Officer (holding CBUAE approval) within a UAE money exchange business.The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, and overseeing the company's compliance framework, ensuring adherence to all applicable CBUAE regulations, AML/CFT requirements, sanctions obligations, and regulatory reporting requirements while fostering a strong compliance culture throughout the organization.Key ResponsibilitiesRegulatory ComplianceAct as the designated Compliance Officer approved by the Central Bank of the UAE.Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable:CBUAE regulationsAML/CFT regulationsSanctions regulationsConsumer protection requirementsFATF RecommendationsRelevant UAE laws and regulations applicable to exchange houses.Serve as the primary point of contact with the Central Bank of the UAE for all compliance-related matters.Coordinate and manage all regulatory inspections, audits, and examinations.AML / CFT & Sanctions ComplianceMaintain and continuously enhance the AML/CFT framework.Oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), PEP screening and sanctions screening.Ensure effective transaction monitoring systems are operating appropriately.Review and approve Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) before submission where applicable.Ensure timely reporting to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).Monitor compliance with UAE sanctions obligations and international sanctions programs applicable to the business.Conduct periodic AML and sanctions risk assessments.Compliance MonitoringDevelop and implement the annual Compliance Monitoring Plan.Perform branch compliance reviews and inspections.Monitor compliance across all branches.Ensure corrective actions arising from audits and inspections are implemented.Identify compliance gaps and recommend remediation plans.Regulatory ReportingEnsure all regulatory returns and submissions are completed accurately and on time.Maintain regulatory registers and statutory records.Liaise with regulators regarding regulatory filings and notifications.Ensure prompt escalation of material compliance issues.Policies & GovernanceDevelop, review, and update:Compliance ManualAML/CFT PoliciesSanctions PolicyCustomer Risk Assessment FrameworkCompliance Monitoring ProgrammeRegulatory PoliciesEnsure all internal policies remain aligned with regulatory changes.Risk ManagementConduct enterprise-wide compliance risk assessments.Identify emerging regulatory risks.Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the business.Develop mitigation plans.Present compliance risk reports to senior managementTraining & AwarenessDevelop annual compliance training programs & maintain training records.Deliver AML/CFT and sanctions training to branch staff and head office employees.Promote a strong compliance culture across the organization.Continuous ImprovementRecommend improvements to compliance systems and controls.Support automation of compliance processes.Lead compliance-related projects.Ensure the organization remains aligned with evolving regulatory expectations.Mandatory RequirementsApplicants must meet all of the following requirements:Currently approved, or previously approved, by the Central Bank of the UAE as a Compliance Officer for a licensed Money Exchange / Exchange House.Minimum 12 years of compliance experience within a CB UAE regulated entity.Minimum 5 years serving as a compliance officer within a UAE money exchange.Strong practical knowledge of:CBUAE regulationsUAE AML/CFT regulationsFATF RecommendationsSanctions complianceUAE FIU reporting requirementsCustomer Due DiligenceEnhanced Due DiligenceTransaction MonitoringRegulatory inspectionsExperience managing CBUAE inspections and regulatory engagements.Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification.Excellent report writing and communication skills.Ability to work independently and engage confidently with regulators and senior management. Preferred QualificationsICA Diploma in AML or Compliance / CRCM or equivalent compliance qualification / ACAMS Advanced Certifications.Experience implementing compliance technology solutions.Experience working across multi-branch exchange operations.Experience with automated transaction monitoring systems and sanctions screening solutions.