Head of Compliance & AML

The Head of Compliance is responsible for establishing, leading, and overseeing the entire compliance framework of Saudi Finance Company, ensuring full adherence to SAMA regulations, Saudi laws, and international best practices. The Head of Compliance acts as the ultimate guardian against regulatory breaches, financial crimes, and reputational risks.Key Duties and Responsibilities:Develop and implement the company's compliance strategy, approved by the Board and relevant Committees.Prepare the annual Compliance and AML department plan.Ensure compliance with SAMA regulatory requirements, Saudi Vision 2030 financial sector goals, and FATF standards.Serve as the primary liaison with SAMA, managing all regulatory communications, inspections, and submissions.Present quarterly compliance reports to the Board and Audit Committee, covering regulatory breaches, fines, SAMA directives, AML/CFT effectiveness, risk exposure, and mitigation plans.Develop, implement, and enforce Compliance and AML policies, including AML, KYC, sanctions, data privacy, and consumer protection, in line with SAMA guidelines.Review all company policies and procedures to ensure they comply with applicable laws, regulations, bylaws, and internal governance requirements.Prepare the annual compliance budget, coordinate with relevant departments, and monitor implementation effectively.Ensure enterprise-wide implementation of compliance requirements through training, internal controls, and audits.Ensure all organizational units comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT), and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and report any suspicious activities.Conduct company-wide compliance risk assessments covering areas such as lending, digital payments, and cybersecurity.Establish early warning systems to identify emerging compliance risks, including crypto-assets and fintech partnerships.Lead the Compliance department and promote a strong culture of compliance through awareness programs, accountability, and zero-tolerance policies.Coach and develop the Compliance team by setting annual KPIs, monitoring performance, and supporting continuous professional growth.Lead responses to SAMA investigations, enforcement actions, and major compliance incidents.Review external audit reports and SAMA inspection findings, ensuring timely implementation of all required actions.Skills and Competencies:Strong strategic, technical, and leadership capabilities to implement and enforce SAMA's regulatory framework.Team leadership, coaching, and accountability.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Ability to exercise veto authority over non-compliant products, services, and transactions.Qualifications:Master's Degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration (MBA), or an equivalent field.Minimum of 7 years of experience in compliance or risk management, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.Professional certifications such as CAMS, CRCM, CFA, or SAMA-approved compliance qualifications.Proven experience managing SAMA audits, licensing processes, and regulatory enforcement actions.Saudi nationality is mandatory.