Head of Shariah Compliance

Head of Shariah ComplianceLocation: Abu Dhabi, UAEAbout the RoleOur client, an innovative AI banking firm based in Abu Dhabi, is seeking an experienced Head of Shariah Compliance to establish and lead its Shariah governance and compliance framework.This is a senior leadership opportunity within a technology-led environment that is reimagining how ethical and Shariah-compliant financial services are designed, delivered and scaled.The successful candidate will act as the firm’s principal Shariah compliance adviser, partnering closely with the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee, executive leadership, product, legal, risk, compliance and technology teams. They will ensure that the firm’s products, services, contracts, digital journeys and AI-enabled processes comply with applicable Shariah principles and UAE regulatory requirements.Key Responsibilities:Establish and lead the firm’s Shariah compliance function, policies, governance framework and operating procedures.Ensure compliance with the standards and resolutions of the Central Bank of the UAE’s Higher Shari’ah Authority and other applicable regulatory requirements.Act as the principal liaison between management and the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee.Coordinate Shariah committee meetings, including preparing papers, product submissions and supporting analysis.Ensure that decisions and rulings issued by the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee are implemented throughout the firm.Advise senior management and business stakeholders on Shariah matters relating to strategy, product development and commercial activity.Review products, structures, legal agreements, customer documentation, marketing materials, policies and operating processes from a Shariah compliance perspective.Partner with product and technology teams to embed Shariah requirements throughout the complete digital product lifecycle.Provide Shariah oversight of AI-enabled processes, automated decision-making, customer journeys and technology-supported product recommendations.Assess whether algorithms, data usage and automated workflows remain consistent with approved Shariah structures, ethical principles and intended customer outcomes.Translate Shariah rulings into clear, practical and scalable controls that can be incorporated into the firm’s technology platforms.Develop and maintain the Shariah compliance monitoring and testing programme.Identify, investigate and resolve potential Shariah non-compliance events, including remediation, escalation and regulatory reporting where required.Oversee the calculation, treatment and disposal of any income arising from Shariah non-compliant activities.Support internal and external Shariah audits and ensure that agreed findings are addressed appropriately.Maintain comprehensive records of Shariah rulings, approvals, product decisions and supporting documentation.Deliver regular reporting to the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee, executive management, relevant board committees and regulators.Provide Shariah training and awareness programmes across the firm.Monitor developments in Islamic finance, AI, digital banking and regulatory expectations.Recruit, develop and lead the Shariah compliance team as the firm continues to grow.Experience and QualificationsSignificant Shariah compliance, Shariah governance or Islamic finance experience gained within a regulated bank, financial institution or FinTech.Previous experience leading, or playing a senior role within, an Internal Shariah Compliance Department or equivalent function.Strong working knowledge of the CBUAE Higher Shari’ah Authority framework and applicable UAE Islamic finance regulations.Detailed knowledge of Islamic banking products and structures, potentially including Murabaha, Ijarah, Mudarabah, Musharakah, Wakala, Tawarruq and Sukuk.Experience reviewing financial products, customer contracts, policies and operating processes for Shariah compliance.Practical experience working with Internal Shariah Supervision Committees and senior regulatory stakeholders.A relevant degree in Shariah, Islamic jurisprudence, Islamic finance, law, banking or a related discipline.A postgraduate qualification or recognised professional certification in Shariah or Islamic finance would be advantageous.Knowledge of AAOIFI standards and other recognised Islamic finance frameworks.Experience supporting AI banking, digital banking, FinTech or technology-led product development would be highly desirable.An understanding of AI governance, automated decision-making and data-led financial services would be beneficial.Arabic and English language capabilities are strongly preferred.Personal AttributesStrong technical understanding of Shariah principles, combined with sound commercial judgement.Able to translate complex Shariah requirements into practical business and technology solutions.Comfortable operating within a fast-moving, entrepreneurial and highly innovative environment.Credible when engaging with Shariah scholars, regulators, board members and executive leadership.Curious about emerging technologies and their responsible application within Islamic financial services.Able to challenge constructively while enabling responsible product innovation.Strong communication, stakeholder-management and leadership skills.Comfortable building a function, framework and team from the ground up.