Compliance Manager/MLRO

Job Description

Compliance Officer and MLRO Role Overwiew:

The ideal candidate will be responsible for all regulatory reporting, oversight of AML/CTF programs, and maintaining a strong culture of compliance and governance across all licensed activities, including PFP operations, advisory, arranging investments, and fund management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the firms full adherence to all FSRA regulations including the Conduct of Business Rulebook, Fund Rules, and PFP Framework.
• Oversee compliance with client onboarding, investor suitability, marketing material approvals, and recordkeeping.
• Act as the primary regulatory liaison with the FSRA, including handling all formal notifications and regulatory submissions.
• Maintain and regularly update compliance manuals, internal controls, and monitoring programs.
• Coordinate regulatory inspections, audits, and FSRA thematic reviews.
• Lead the implementation and monitoring of the firms compliance calendar.

• Develop and maintain a risk-based AML/CTF program in compliance with the FSRA AML Rulebook and UAE Federal Law No. 20 of 2018.
• Receive and assess internal suspicious activity reports; file STRs with the UAE FIU (goAML) and notify the FSRA where applicable.
• Conduct firm-wide AML risk assessments, including customer, product, geography, and delivery channel risk profiling.
• Oversee customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and periodic reviews for high-risk customers, including PEPs and institutional investors.
• Monitor investor activity across PFP listings, investment arrangements, and fund subscriptions for AML risks.
• Provide AML/CTF training to staff and the Board as required under FSRA guidelines.

• Promote a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct throughout the organization.
• Serve as an advisor to the business teams on compliance and AML matters, including exempt offer requirements and fund onboarding risks.
• Maintain compliance registers including breaches, conflicts, training logs, and STR logs.
• Support the implementation of automated tools (e.g., compliance dashboards, transaction monitoring systems) to enhance governance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor&aposs degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field; advanced certifications such as ICA Diploma, CAMS, or CISI are highly preferred.
• At least 10+ years of combined experience in compliance and AML within regulated financial institutions; prior FSRA or DFSA experience required.
• Strong working knowledge of PFP operations, CIF regulations, and investment advisory processes.
• Demonstrated ability to act independently with authority and credibility.

Key Competencies:

• Deep knowledge of ADGM/FSRA rulebooks (COBS, AML, Fund Rules, GEN, PFP)
• Experience with regulatory inspections, compliance monitoring programs, and reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with regulators and senior management
• Ethical, detail-oriented, and proactive
• Ability to multitask and manage compliance across multiple licensed activities

Note: This role may also be considered a Controlled Function under FSRA rules and require FSRA approval and prior notification depending on responsibilities and organizational structure.