Director of Compliance

Job Description

Direct Reports: N/A

About j. awan & partners

We understand that time is precious and as such our tailor-made solutions are simple to understand, simple to embed and simple to use.

As part of our global expansion plan, we are now looking for an ambitious and agile professional with a strong background in Compliance to join our team.

Mission / Purpose of the Role

In addition, the Director will contribute to JAP's growth strategy by converting existing company relationships into new business opportunities and driving the expansion of the compliance practice across the UAE.

12–18 Month Mission Outcomes (What Success Looks Like)

1. Ensure full regulatory compliance with ADGM/FSRA requirements

• All FSRA filings submitted accurately and on time
• No regulatory breaches
• Successful completion of audits without major findings

1. Implement and maintain a robust AML/CTF framework

• 100% of client onboarding and monitoring processes comply with AML/CTF policies
• Timely submission of SARs
• Minimal compliance gaps identified in audits

1. Provide strategic compliance and advisory support to clients

• Positive client feedback on regulatory guidance
• Enhanced client compliance programs with measurable improvements

1. Strengthen business development and client engagement

• New client acquisitions
• Increased market share and revenue from compliance services
• Successful representation at industry events

1. Conduct internal training and awareness programs

• Completion of scheduled compliance and AML/CTF training sessions
• Staff demonstrate understanding through assessments or audits

1. Audit, monitor, and improve compliance processes

• Regular compliance reviews completed
• Identified gaps addressed with corrective action
• Internal controls strengthened

1. Maintain accurate documentation and reporting

• All compliance records, policies, and reports are audit-ready
• Timely submission of regulatory filings

1. Foster leadership, team development, and company culture

• Team members trained and coached
• High engagement scores; positive feedback from colleagues and clients
• Strong promotion of JAP brand and culture

1. Continuously improve compliance and AML/CTF systems

• Implementation of new processes, tools, or automation
• Measurable reduction in compliance risks
• Adoption of industry best practices

Key Accountabilities

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Act as primary contact with ADGM/FSRA; monitor and implement regulatory changes.
• Develop and update internal compliance policies and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and report to management and regulators.

• No regulatory breaches.
• All FSRA filings submitted accurately and on time.
• Audit findings minimal or resolved promptly.

AML/CTF & Risk Management

• Serve as MLRO; implement AML/CTF controls.
• Oversee client onboarding, CDD/EDD, and monitoring.
• Investigate suspicious transactions and maintain AML/CTF records.

• 100% compliance with AML/CTF procedures.
• Timely submission of SARs.
• Compliance gaps identified and remediated.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Leverage global relationships to source new business and onboard clients.
• Strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• Represent JAP at events and advise clients on compliance.

• New client acquisitions and revenue growth.
• Positive client feedback.
• Improved client compliance programs.

• Key Responsibilities
• Develop and deliver compliance and AML/CTF training for staff and clients.
• Provide guidance on regulatory matters.

• Training sessions delivered on schedule.
• Staff demonstrate understanding through assessments or audits.
• High engagement in compliance culture.

• Key Responsibilities
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Conduct compliance reviews and spot checks.
• Identify and remediate control weaknesses.

• Compliance reviews completed on schedule.
• Gaps addressed with corrective action.
• Strengthened internal controls.

• Key Responsibilities
• Maintain records of compliance activities, policies, and reporting.
• Ensure audit readiness and prepare regulatory filings.

• All documentation audit-ready.
• Timely submission of reports and filings.

• Key Responsibilities
• Communicate compliance risks and obligations to senior management.
• Foster relationships with stakeholders, auditors, regulators, and clients.
• Represent consultancy professionally.

• Effective risk communication.
• Strong stakeholder relationships and professional representation at all levels.

• Key Responsibilities
• Stay updated on regulatory developments.
• Refine compliance/AML systems, processes, and training.
• Implement best practices.

• Implementation of improved processes/tools.
• Measurable reduction in compliance risk.
• Adoption of industry best practices.

• Key Responsibilities
• Promote JAP culture and brand.
• Support recruitment, training, and retention.
• Coach and develop team members.

• High employee engagement.
• Strong team performance.
• Positive feedback on leadership and coaching.

• Adaptability & Problem-Solving

• Collaboration & Partnership Building

• Analytical Excellence

• Communication Mastery

Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and confidently at all levels — internally and with clients, auditors, and regulators.

• Regulatory & Compliance Expertise

• AML/CTF Specialist Capability

• Independence & Self-Motivation

• Stakeholder Influence & Liaison Skills

Demonstrated capability in managing relationships with regulators, clients, and internal teams, acting as a trusted compliance advisor.

• Organizational & Time Management

• Risk & Regulatory Awareness

• High-Pressure Execution
• Significant ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple compliance deliverables simultaneously.

• Minimum bachelor's degree from a leading university
• Preferred concentration in law, finance, accounting, or economics

• Significant, demonstrable experience dealing with regulatory authorities in the UAE and the wider MENA region
• At least 10 years of overall industry experience
• 8+ years of direct compliance experience within the financial services industry
• Direct experience creating and implementing regulatory compliance programs within a successful financial services organization
• Additional Requirements: CAMS, CISI, or ICA certifications are highly desired
• Professional Integrity & Accountability:Maintains confidentiality, demonstrates reliability, follows instructions with discipline, and upholds ethical and professional standards across all responsibilities.