Compliance Officer (Exchange House)

Job Description - Compliance Officer (Exchange House)Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Employment Type: Full-TimeIndustry: Money Exchange / Financial ServicesAbout the Role We 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 Responsibilities Regulatory Compliance Act as the designated Compliance Officer approved by the Central Bank of the UAE. Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable CBUAE regulations AML/CFT regulations Sanctions regulations Consumer protection requirements FATF Recommendations Relevant 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 Compliance Maintain 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 programmes applicable to the business. Conduct periodic AML and sanctions risk assessments. Compliance Monitoring Develop 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 Reporting Ensure 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 & Governance Develop, review and update: Compliance Manual AML/CFT Policies Sanctions Policy Customer Risk Assessment Framework Compliance Monitoring Programme Regulatory Policies Ensure all internal policies remain aligned with regulatory changes. Risk Management Conduct 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 management. Training & Awareness Develop 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 Improvement Recommend 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 Requirements Applicants 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 regulations UAE AML/CFT regulations FATF Recommendations Sanctions compliance UAE FIU reporting requirements Customer Due Diligence Enhanced Due Diligence Transaction Monitoring Regulatory inspections Experience 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 Qualifications ICA 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.