Head of Compliance

About the RoleThe Compliance Officer & MLRO will be responsible for maintaining and strengthening the firm's compliance framework, ensuring ongoing adherence to applicable DFSA rules and regulations, UAE AML/CFT requirements, and the firm's internal policies and procedures.The role will work closely with Senior Management and the Board, providing independent compliance advice, identifying regulatory risks, overseeing AML/KYC processes, and ensuring that the firm maintains an effective compliance culture.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as the firm's Compliance Officer and MLRO, subject to the relevant DFSA Authorised Individual requirements.Serve as a key point of contact and liaise directly with the DFSA on regulatory and compliance matters.Monitor developments in DFSA rules, regulations, and regulatory requirements and ensure timely implementation within the firm.Review, develop, and maintain the firm's Compliance Manual, AML Manual, policies, procedures, and internal controls.Provide independent compliance advice and guidance to Senior Management, the Board, and employees.Identify, assess, and monitor compliance and regulatory risks arising from existing and proposed business activities, products, clients, and relationships.Establish and maintain effective AML/CFT systems, controls, and procedures.Oversee client onboarding and ongoing due diligence, including KYC/CDD, sanctions screening, PEP screening, UBO identification, client risk assessments, and ongoing monitoring.Conduct and maintain the firm's AML Business Risk Assessment.Oversee transaction monitoring and suspicious transaction/activity reporting requirements.Liaise with relevant authorities regarding AML and compliance matters.Develop and implement the firm's Compliance Monitoring Programme, including compliance reviews, testing, and follow-up of identified issues.Oversee regulatory returns, notifications, filings, and other regulatory submissions to the DFSA.Coordinate and oversee FATCA, CRS, and Economic Substance reporting and related classifications and notifications.Maintain required compliance registers, including breaches, complaints, suspicious transactions, training, and other regulatory records.Deliver and/or coordinate AML and compliance training and promote a strong compliance culture across the firm.Report regularly to Senior Management and the Board on compliance, AML, regulatory risks, breaches, and remediation matters.Support regulatory inspections, audits, reviews, and other regulatory engagements.Implement and maintain the firm's Data Protection Policy, including data protection impact assessments, monitoring, and regulatory notifications where applicable.Undertake other compliance and regulatory projects as required.Key RequirementsDIFC experience is MANDATORY.We are specifically looking for a candidate with hands-on experience working within the DIFC and with DFSA-regulated firms. Candidates without prior DIFC experience will not be considered.The successful candidate should have:Minimum 5 years of compliance experience within the financial services industry.Proven experience working as a Compliance Officer and/or MLRO within a regulated financial services environment.Mandatory DIFC experience, preferably within an investment management, asset management, fund management, or similar financial services firm.Strong practical knowledge of DFSA rules, regulations, and regulatory requirements.Strong experience in AML/KYC, client onboarding, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, PEP screening, UBO identification, and risk assessments.Experience liaising with the DFSA and other relevant regulatory authorities.Experience developing and maintaining compliance frameworks, policies, procedures, and Compliance Monitoring Programmes.Existing DFSA Authorised Individual status is highly desirable; relevant ADGM Authorised Individual status would also be an advantage.Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, Compliance, or a related discipline.ACAMS, ACFCS, ICA, or equivalent compliance/AML certification is highly desirable.Strong knowledge of FATCA, CRS, Economic Substance, data protection, and other relevant regulatory reporting requirements.Currently based in the UAE.Fluent written and spoken English.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to work independently in a regulated environment.What We're Looking ForWe are looking for a proactive and commercially aware compliance professional who can operate confidently in a DIFC/DFSA-regulated environment, provide practical regulatory guidance to the business, and maintain strong relationships with Senior Management, the Board, and regulators.Important:🔴 DIFC experience is a mandatory requirement for this position.🔴 Hands-on DFSA regulatory experience is strongly required.If you meet the above requirements and are interested in joining a growing DIFC-based investment management firm, we would be pleased to hear from you.