Compliance Officer

Job Description

About the Role

This position requires a proactive professional who can provide sound advice on compliance matters, act as a trusted partner to the business, maintain effective relationships with regulators, and oversee daily operations with the objective of identifying and mitigating potential compliance and regulatory risks.

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the firms overall compliance framework, including drafting and maintaining policies, procedures, and guidelines that ensure alignment with both internal requirements and external regulations.
• Ensure strict compliance with all applicable DFSA and ESCA regulations, in addition to other relevant local and international regulatory requirements that govern brokerage and financial services activities.
• Oversee and monitor brokerage activities such as trading, settlement, custody, and reporting, ensuring they are conducted in a compliant and risk-controlled manner, while promptly identifying any potential gaps or risks.
• Conduct periodic and ad-hoc compliance reviews, audits, and risk assessments across business units to evaluate adherence to regulatory obligations and internal controls.
• Provide practical guidance and regulatory advice to senior management and staff, ensuring that all teams are well-informed of their compliance responsibilities and fully prepared for any regulatory changes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulators, auditors, and other external stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and timely submission of reports or responses when required.
• Review and approve client-facing materials, marketing content, and internal or external communications to ensure they meet regulatory and compliance standards.
• Design and deliver regular training sessions and awareness programs to employees across the firm, covering topics such as compliance responsibilities, anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and other relevant regulatory matters.
• Investigate compliance breaches or regulatory concerns, document findings, and prepare reports for senior management or regulators as required, while implementing remedial actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date compliance records, registers, reports, and documentation to support both internal oversight and external regulatory inspections.

• Bachelors degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 35 years of proven compliance experience, preferably gained within a brokerage firm, investment company, or similar financial services environment.
• Strong working knowledge of DFSA and ESCA regulations, with an understanding of broader financial services compliance frameworks.
• Direct exposure to brokerage operations, including trading, custody, and settlement processes, is considered highly advantageous.
• Professional certifications in compliance or anti-money laundering (such as ICA or ACAMS) would be a strong asset.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex regulatory requirements in a clear and practical way.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, combined with a high level of attention to detail.

• In-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance, particularly DFSA and ESCA requirements.
• Familiarity with brokerage operations and processes.
• Ability to conduct thorough risk assessments and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Expertise in AML/CTF monitoring, investigations, and regulatory reporting.
• Experience in drafting, developing, and implementing compliance policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, capable of influencing at all levels of the organization.