AML Alert Manager

ADIB Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Abu Dhabi seeks an AML Alert Manager responsible for implementing the AML/CFT Program across branches and subsidiaries. The ideal candidate will oversee compliance, monitor alerts, and provide expert guidance on regulations to ensure adherence and address potential risks. This role requires extensive banking experience, strong leadership skills, and AML expertise.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years banking experience, including 5 years in Compliance Department.
• Experience in investigating economic crimes is required.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Implement AML/CFT Program across the Group.
• Monitor alerts and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Provide SME advice on AML/CFT regulations.

Skills

Management and leadership skills

AML & CTF expertise

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Professional qualification in AML/Compliance

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)

Job description

Overview

Role: AML Alert Manager

Location: Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose

The AML Alerts Manager is responsible for the implementation of the Group-wide (including branches, subsidiaries and ADIB Sudan, Iraq and Qatar) AML/CFT Program and provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME) advice, guidance and input on AML/CFT regulations, including but not limited to writing AML/CFT Policy Procedures and delivering training. The role entails implementing the Group AML/CFT Policies and Procedures, periodic review of the AML/CFT program, owning AML/CFT systems and ensuring breaches of applicable regulations are escalated to the Head of AML & Sanctions and Global Head of FCC on a timely basis.

Key Accountabilities

1. The Groups Compliance strategy within the AML/CFT teams remit in GCD and COC to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing departmental strategies.
2. Ensure Group AML/CFT policies and procedures remain updated, relevant and communicated to all stakeholders.
3. Implement the AML/CFT program within the Group (including branches, subsidiaries and international locations) to address current AML/CFT risks and remain agile to manage anticipated future AML/CFT risks.
4. Keep abreast of related laws, regulations and best practices pertaining to AML/CFT and assess its impact on ADIB Group. For international branches and subsidiaries, work with Head of IBG Compliance and local MLROs to keep the AML/CFT program updated in line with local laws and regulations.
5. Monitor all Alerts received from the system; ensure they are comprehensively investigated by the Compliance Operation Center (COC) to achieve conclusive results that comply with local regulations and international best practices.
6. Monitor daily, weekly and monthly AML Alert and case inventory to ensure all alert analyses and case investigations are completed within established SLAs and regulatory timeframes.
7. Provide effective oversight on COC functions for AML, including team performance, QA results, remediation of failed cases, review of MIS reports, governance participation and remedial actions on identified issues.
8. Ensure COC and L3 teams are updated with the latest changes in the regulatory landscape.
9. Enhance, review and uplift existing procedures, policies and guidances in line with regulatory requirements.
10. Ensure appropriate investigations, reporting and controls are in place for each step of the investigative process workflow.
11. Monitor individual and team productivity to ensure alerts are actioned within appropriate timeframes.
12. Lead as Subject Matter Expert, coaching Associates and Investigators, providing mentorship and identifying continuing education opportunities, as well as promoting career progression for the business and Level 3 Team.
13. Review high-profile AML investigations requiring confidentiality, including terrorist financing, subpoenas and litigation.
14. Manage individual performance evaluations throughout the year.
15. Ensure all investigations are completed timely and accurately to satisfaction.
16. Ensure Level 3 conducts investigations on current or prospective customers and third parties, including background reviews, negative news screening, internet searches and enhanced due diligence.
17. Lead the Level 3 AML & CTF Alerts Investigation Team in providing accurate, practical advice to all business and operations on questions and issues.
18. Provide SME guidance/input to the business/branches on evaluating AML & CTF risks, escalation to GCD and managing suspicious transactions through Unusual Activity Reports (UAR).
19. Ensure appropriate implementation of KPIs for direct reports for Level 3 team.
20. Initiate continuous productivity improvements in AML & CTF processes by participating in new technology delivery and collaborating with the COC and L3 teams to identify business process improvement opportunities.
21. Provide AML & CTF SME guidance/input on all AML & CTF impacted IT systems.
22. Conduct regular meetings with the business, COC and Level 3 to facilitate communications and resolve AML & CTF alerts/cases issues.
23. Collaborate with Head of AML & Sanctions Unit and Head of Financial Crime Compliance to develop and maintain a motivated, professionally trained staff, ensuring capacity planning, adherence and improvement in performance and quality standards, and appropriate career development.
24. Provide leadership, support, guidance and coaching to the AML & CTF L3 team.
25. Assist Head of AML & Sanctions Unit on implementing organizational initiatives and other official matters when required.
26. Participate in designing AML system scenarios, rules and algorithms to identify suspicious activities and suggest self-tuning models for a streaming data setting.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge

• Professional qualification or industry-recognized certifications/diploma in AML/Compliance fields (e.g., AAMs/ICS/ACFCS/FIBA, etc.).
• Experience in scoping and managing the implementation of AML & CTF procedures and systems.
• Experience providing SME input for AML & CTF policies, processes and system ratings.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Regulations, Rules, International Compliance Standards & Best Practices (e.g., FATF guidance, Basel recommendations).
• Experience providing AML & CTF advice to all business types and operations representing various relationships.
• Proven management and leadership skills.
• Strong knowledge of AML & CTF policy and procedures and ability to communicate with Senior Managers.
• Analytical/review/assessment skills of bank compliance procedures and IT systems.
• Ability to balance compliance requirements with business needs and build constructive relationships with peers and seniors.
• Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills; relationship building.
• Sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, independence of thought and initiative.
• Ability to be self-starter and work independently as well as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership and facilitation skills; ability to interact with all functions and levels, including senior management.
• Ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines.
• Good understanding of banking processes and products; analytical mindset and detail-oriented with good communication and self-motivation.
• Fluent in English; reading/communication in Arabic is an added advantage.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint).

Previous Experience Required

• Minimum of 7 years banking experience, of which 5 years should be in Compliance Department of a Financial Institution in a similar role.
• 4 years knowledge and experience in the investigation of white-collar/economic crime (including reactive investigations and proactive strategies).

Required Experience: Manager