Compliance Officer- Forex ,CFD

We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Compliance & MLRO to join our leadership team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the compliance and AML functions, ensuring adherence to UAE SCA regulations and global AML/CFT standards, managing regulatory relationships, and embedding a culture of compliance, ethics, and governance throughout the organization.Key Responsibilities:1) Regulatory accountability & independenceServe as the SCA-approved Compliance Officer & MLRO, with adequate seniority and decision rights to act independently.Maintain open, timely, and accurate communications with the SCA; disclose information the SCA would reasonably expect to be notified of.Provide regular written reports to the Board and management on compliance risks, issues, inspections, breaches, remediation status, and training completion.2) AML/CFT & sanctions (MLRO)Own the firm’s compliance with UAE AML/CFT legislation and SCA AML Module.Operate the end-to-end SAR/STR process: receive internal reports, investigate and document decisions, and file SAR/STRs to the UAE FIU; notify the SCA where required.Act as primary contact for competent UAE authorities (SCA, FIU/CBUAE, law enforcement) and international bodies’ directives (e.g., UN Security Council).Oversee customer due diligence, KYC, EDD, screening (sanctions, PEPs, adverse media), and ongoing monitoring; prevent ML/TF/PF risks (including WMD-related financing).Maintain the AML/CFT Business Risk Assessment (BRA) and customer/product risk assessments, review annually or upon trigger events.Design and deliver AML/CFT and sanctions training; maintain evidence and effectiveness metrics.3) Policies, governance & cultureDevelop, review, and update compliance and AML/CFT policies, procedures, and standards to reflect regulatory change and industry best practice.Ensure clear governance over complaints, conflicts of interest, gifts & entertainment, personal account dealing, financial promotions, whistleblowing, outsourcing, and record-keeping.4) Monitoring, surveillance & reportingBuild and execute a risk-based Compliance Monitoring Plan covering onboarding, suitability/appropriateness, market conduct, best execution, client money, financial promotions, and trade surveillance for potential market abuse.Implement surveillance/monitoring tools and MI; track remediation to closure.Prepare and submit accurate, timely regulatory filings/returns and responses to information requests and examinations.5) Risk management & controlsConduct periodic compliance risk assessments across business lines; define mitigation plans, control testing, and key risk indicators.Oversee internal controls to ensure integrity of transactions and regulatory compliance; coordinate with Internal Audit and External Audit on reviews and follow-ups.6) Regulatory liaison & horizon scanningLead regulatory inspections, onsite reviews, thematic requests, and ad-hoc inquiries.Proactively horizon-scan for regulatory developments (SCA, CBUAE/FIU, FATF, UN) and translate into impact assessments and implementation plans.7) People leadershipBuild and lead a capable compliance team; set objectives, coach, and ensure continuous development.Champion a culture of ethics and fair customer outcomes across the firm.Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in finance, Law, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.Deep knowledge of the SCA Rulebook, UAE AML/CFT laws and guidance, KYC/EDD, sanctions, and market-conduct standards.Certifications: CISI UAE Rules & Regulations and CISI Compliance (required); ACAMS/ICA (preferred).Strong analytical judgement, independence, stakeholder management, and clear regulatory writing.Technology familiarity with screening, trade surveillance, case-management, and regulatory-reporting systems.Arabic fluency and professional English (written & spoken)