Associate Manager AML

ADIB Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking institution in Abu Dhabi seeks an Associate Manager AML to ensure compliance and enhance operational efficiency. The successful candidate will implement and oversee the AML/CFT program, provide expertise, conduct investigations, and lead a dedicated team. Candidates should have extensive experience in banking compliance and demonstrated leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years banking experience, 3 years in Compliance.
• Fluency in English, Arabic skills advantageous.
• Experience in AML/CFT procedures.

Responsibilities

• Implement Group-wide AML/CFT Program and policies.
• Conduct Level 3 AML investigations, monitor alerts.
• Prepare AML reports and respond to regulatory inquiries.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership and management skills

Relationship-building skills

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking skills

Education

Professional qualification or industry-recognized certifications in AML/Compliance

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Description

Role : Associate Manager AML
Location : Abu Dhabi
Role Purpose:
To ensure compliance and enhance efficiency through executing and monitoring transaction activity performed in branches & business departments.

The AML Associate Manager is responsible for implementing the Group-wide AML/CFT Program, providing Subject Matter Expertise (SME) advice on AML/CFT regulations, and delivering training. This includes writing AML/CFT policies and procedures, reviewing the AML/CFT program periodically, owning AML/CFT systems, and ensuring regulatory breaches are escalated appropriately. In the absence of the Alert Manager, the Associate Manager acts as the backup.

Key Accountabilities of the role

• Support AML alert manager in implementing the Group's Compliance strategy within the AML/CFT teams in GCD and COC, ensuring alignment and integration with other departmental strategies.
• Ensure Group AML/CFT policies and procedures are updated, relevant, and communicated to all stakeholders.
• Implement the AML/CFT program across the Group, addressing current risks and managing future risks.
• Conduct Level 3 AML investigations on cases identified through various channels, including fraud and external alerts.
• Monitor AML alert and case inventories daily, weekly, and monthly, ensuring timely completion of analyses and investigations.
• Keep COC and Level 3 teams updated on regulatory changes.
• Enhance and update procedures, policies, and guidance to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure investigations, reporting, and controls are effective at each step of the investigative workflow.
• Monitor team productivity to ensure alerts are actioned promptly.
• Serve as SME, coaching and mentoring team members, promoting career development, and identifying training opportunities.
• Handle high-profile AML investigations confidentially, including terrorist financing and litigation cases.
• Manage performance evaluations for team members throughout the year.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of investigations.
• Prepare AML reports such as EDD/ISTR/STR and report suspicious activities to the UAE Central Bank.
• Respond to regulatory inquiries and liaise with business units as needed.
• Conduct due diligence on current or prospective customers and third parties, including background checks and enhanced due diligence.
• Lead the Level 3 AML & CTF Alerts Investigation Team, providing guidance and advice.
• Advise the business on AML & CTF risk evaluation, escalation, and management of suspicious transactions.
• Improve investigation processes and train branches to improve responses and reduce compliance risks.
• Prepare investigative reports and intelligence products to support decision-making.
• Maintain regular communication with the business, COC, and Level 3 teams to address AML & CTF issues.
• In the absence of the Alert Manager, assist senior management in organizational initiatives and official matters.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:

• Professional qualification or industry-recognized certifications in AML/Compliance (e.g., AAMs, ICS, ACFCS, FIBA).
• Experience in implementing AML & CTF procedures and systems.
• Expertise in AML & CTF policies, processes, and systems ratings.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulations, international standards, and best practices such as FATF and Basel.
• Experience advising on AML & CTF across various business types.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Strong knowledge of AML & CTF policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of interacting with senior management.
• Analytical skills for reviewing compliance procedures and IT systems.
• Ability to balance compliance and business needs.
• Relationship-building skills and sound judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and multi-tasking skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Leadership and facilitation skills.
• Ability to interact across all organizational levels.
• Prioritization and deadline management skills.
• Understanding of banking processes and products.
• Analytical mindset, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Fluency in English; Arabic language skills are an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Previous experience required (if any)

Minimum of 5 years banking experience, with at least 3 years in a Compliance Department of a financial institution in a similar role. Additionally, 4 years of experience in investigating white-collar/economic crimes, including reactive and proactive investigations.

Required Experience: Manager