Head of Risk

Job Description

The Head of Risk will play a key role in ensuring compliance with CBUAE regulations, board-approved risk appetite, and global best practices in operational, financial, compliance, cyber and reputational risks.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Risk Governance & Framework Establish and maintain an ERM framework aligned to CBUAE rulebooks; set risk appetite; implement RCSA, ICAAP, stress testing; ensure functional independence.
2. Regulatory & Compliance Alignment Ensure full compliance with CBUAE requirements; manage regulatory inspections and reporting; support BRMC and Audit Committees.
3. Operational & Technology Risk Oversee KYC/KYB, merchant onboarding, fraud prevention, real-time monitoring of transactions/chargebacks; work with CISO on cyber/data security, PCI-DSS, BCP/DR.
4. Financial & Credit Risk Monitor counterparties, liquidity, safeguarding of customer funds, and financial soundness of wallets and instruments.
5. Reporting & MIS Deliver risk dashboards and MIS to senior management/CBUAE; perform risk assessments, stress testing, and escalate breaches of risk appetite.
6. Culture & Advisory Build risk awareness across teams; mentor staff; advise senior management on emerging risks including ESG, AI/ML, and cross-border payments.

Qualification:

• Postgraduate degree in Finance, Risk Management, Business Administration, or related field.

• One Global Risk Credential: FRM, PRM, CRMP, or IRM Diploma.
• One Compliance Credential: CAMS or CFE.
• One Cybersecurity/IT Risk Credential: CISM, CISA, or CISSP

• Minimum 1215 years of risk management experience in financial services, payments, or banking.
• At least 3-5 years in a senior leadership risk role (Head of Risk, Deputy CRO, or equivalent).

Demonstrated experience in:

• Regulatory engagement with CBUAE / RBI / other central banks.
• Payment risk (merchant acquiring, wallets, PSP/TPP environment).
• Basel/ICAAP, stress testing, operational & cyber risk frameworks.