Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)

JOB PURPOSE:The Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) is entrusted with the enterprise-wide oversight of the bank's anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) compliance. This senior role is accountable for maintaining an effective framework to identify, monitor, and disclose suspicious transactions. The MLRO also functions as the principal point of contact for all engagements with regulatory authorities on AML/CFT matters, playing an essential role in safeguarding the institution's integrity and security.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:·        AML/CFT Framework: Develop, implement, and maintain the bank’s internal AML/CFT policies, procedures, and controls, ensuring they are current, effective, and proportionate to the bank’s risk profile.·        Risk Assessment: Conduct and oversee ongoing Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA) process to identify, assess, and mitigate the bank's money laundering and terrorist financing risks.·        Suspicious Activity Reporting: Act as the central point for receiving internal reports of suspicious activity; conduct independent analysis to determine reasonable grounds; and promptly file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).·        Regulatory Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for the CBUAE, FIU, and other relevant law enforcement agencies for all AML/CFT matters, examinations, and inquiries.·        Compliance Advisory: Provide expert advice and guidance to senior management and the business on AML/CFT requirements, particularly for high-risk customers, products, and geographies.·        Training & Awareness: Develop and implement a robust, ongoing AML/CFT training program for all employees, tailored to their specific roles and the bank’s risk exposure.·        Management Reporting: Prepare and present regular and ad-hoc reports to the Board of Directors and Senior Management on the status and effectiveness of the AML/CFT program, key risks, and significant issues.·        Systems & Controls Oversight: Oversee the transaction monitoring and sanctions screening systems to ensure they are effectively calibrated and that alerts are investigated in a timely and thorough manner.·        Record Keeping: Ensure all AML/CFT records, including customer due diligence (CDD) files and STR documentation, are maintained for the mandatory minimum period as required by CBUAE regulation.·        Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Ensure that enhanced due diligence measures are applied to high-risk categories, including Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and that source of wealth and funds is thoroughly understood and documented.QUALIFICATIONS:A bachelor's / master's degree, preferably in business administration, economics, law, or a related field.Holding a compliance certification such as ICA Certificate or CAMS would be beneficial. EXPERIENCE:12 years+ of compliance or regulatory experience in the financial services industry.SKILLS:Strong computer literacy skills & good knowledge of MS Office Ability to navigate field-specific software, mainly those related to compliance & financial analysis. Knowledge of statistical analysis.LANGUAGE:Fluency in English, & basic knowledge of Arabic.