Executive Director, Head of Business Governance

Title: Executive Director, Head of Business GovernanceLocation: Abu DhabiAbout the ClientOur client is a leading banking group seeking an Executive Director, Head of Business Governance to lead the First Line of Defence governance and controls function across its Investment Banking business. The role will establish and embed a robust business-owned governance framework across Investment Banking, working closely with Risk, Compliance and other control functions to strengthen risk management, accountability and operational effectiveness.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the IB&M First Line governance and controls framework across Investment Banking & Markets, overseeing risk tracking, control design, RCSA activity and the wider business risk and control environment.Act as the key business coordination point for regulatory engagement, examinations, information requests and regulatory reporting, partnering with Compliance, Risk and senior Investment Banking stakeholders.Establish effective governance and assurance mechanisms across Coverage, Global Markets and Global Corporate Finance, including oversight of control effectiveness, KRIs, issues, incidents, near-misses and remediation activity.Oversee business-owned issues and findings arising from regulatory reviews, Compliance monitoring, Internal Audit and control failures, ensuring clear ownership, timely remediation and appropriate escalation.Lead governance reporting and senior management committees, providing analysis of risk trends, control weaknesses, emerging risks and business performance, while supporting Capital Allocation Committee governance and decision-making.Partner with Investment Banking business and control functions on regulatory, credit and risk matters, including policy implementation, risk thresholds, credit governance and alignment of business processes with applicable CBUAE and Group requirements.Key RequirementsBachelor's degree or higher in Banking, Finance, Management or a related discipline; professional certification in Risk, Compliance, AML/CFT or Financial Crime is advantageous.10–15+ years' experience within a reputable international bank, with substantial exposure to Investment Banking & Markets, Risk, Compliance or Internal Audit in regulated financial services environments.Strong understanding of Investment Banking and Markets, including Global Markets and Global Corporate Finance products, processes and associated risk and control frameworks.Proven experience in first-line governance, risk and control assessments, regulatory engagement, issue remediation, assurance, monitoring and governance reporting.Strong knowledge of financial services regulations and regulatory reporting, with UAE / CBUAE experience highly advantageous.Excellent senior stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the credibility to challenge business decisions, drive accountability and present complex risk matters to senior management.