Head of KYC/AML

Job Description

Reporting Line: Chief Risk & Compliance Officer

We're currently seeking a Head of KYC/AML to join a leading legal services firm and take the lead on all compliance matters relating to AML, CFT, KYC, and Sanctions across multiple jurisdictions.

It plays a critical part in safeguarding the firm's integrity by proactively preventing financial crime.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implementing and overseeing the firm's AML policies, procedures, systems, and controls, including the operation of the firm's risk-based approach.
• Ensuring day-to-day compliance with the rules and other relevant AML legislation applicable in all jurisdictions where ATCO operates.
• Ensuring the effectiveness of sanctions controls and with a regular approach to testing the effectiveness.
• Ensuring the identification of key regulatory changes and notification to/education of relevant departments and areas to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Responsible for the preparation and submission of all regulatory annual returns.
• Responsible for the management of regulatory audits in all jurisdictions where ATCO operates.
• Acting as point of escalation for the team on high-risk clients/matters.
• Managing the day-today operations of the team including their training and development programs.
• Making Suspicious Activity Reports in accordance with Federal AML legislation in all jurisdictions where ATCO operates.
• Responding promptly to any request for information made by competent authorities in all jurisdictions where ATCO operates.
• Receiving and acting upon any relevant findings, recommendations, guidance, directives, resolutions, sanctions, notices or other conclusions.
• Developing and delivering appropriate AML. CTF and sanctions compliance training including employee induction, refresher training, specialist and department focused training.
• Acting as the point of contact within the firm for competent authorities regarding money laundering issues.
• Reporting semi-annually to ExCo on various matters including the results of the AML, CFT, and sanctions review, the firm's compliance with Federal AML legislation and the regulations and rules of the Regulator, internal notifications of suspicious activity, Suspicious Activity/Transaction Reports, and other relevant matters related to AML/CFT/KYC and sanctions.
• Responsible for updating all Business Risk Assessments in all jurisdictions where ATCO operates.
• Responsible for the enhancement of AML systems and controls.
• Reviewing and advising on areas of regulatory change and applicable best practice in the region and update the relevant policies and procedures accordingly.
• Supporting and coordinating senior management focus on managing the firm's AML and CFT risks in individual business areas.
• Handling other ad-hoc compliance-related projects that may be assigned from time to time.

Reqruirements:

• Law degree or other legal qualification or background
• Compliance expert with deep working knowledge of key areas of financial crime, including AML/CTF regimes and requirements (particularly as they relate to CDD/EDD, PEPs, ML offenses and reporting suspicions) and sanctions and export control laws and regulations.
• Demonstrable experience in a compliance or in-house legal leadership role in an international law firm or professional services environment
• High level of proficiency in IT systems

What We're Looking For:

• Significant experience in AML/KYC compliance within a law firm or professional services environment
• Strong knowledge of AML, CFT, PF, and sanctions regulations across the UAE and wider region
• Proven track record managing audits, regulatory reporting, and high-risk client reviews
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Native or fluent English speaker with strong drafting ability
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset