Associate Manager AML

ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Abu Dhabi is seeking an Associate Manager AML to ensure compliance and enhance efficiency in transaction monitoring. The role requires managing the implementation of AML/CFT programs and conducting investigations. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of banking experience with a strong background in AML compliance and leadership abilities. This position provides a chance to significantly influence organizational compliance strategies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years banking experience, with 3 years in compliance.
• Experience in managing AML/CTF procedures and systems.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with AML/CFT regulations and policies.
• Conduct AML investigations and manage alert inventories.
• Provide SME guidance for AML/CTF risks.

Skills

AML compliance expertise

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal communication

Knowledge of UAE regulations

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Professional qualifications in AML compliance

Job description

Overview

Associate Manager AML

Role : Associate Manager AML

Location : Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose : To ensure compliance and enhance efficiency through executing and monitoring transaction activity performed in branches and business departments.

The AML Associate Manager is responsible for the implementation of the Group-wide AML / CFT Program (including branches, subsidiaries, and ADIB Sudan, Iraq and Qatar) and providing Subject Matter Expert (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 Head of FCC on a timely basis. In the absence of the Alert Manager, acting as the backup.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the AML alert manager in implementing the Group's compliance strategy within the AML / CFT team's remit in GCD and COC to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing departmental strategies.
• Ensure Group AML / CFT policies and procedures remain updated, relevant, and communicated to all stakeholders.
• 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.
• Conduct Level 3 AML investigations on cases identified through other channels like fraud, business and external alerts (UAE central bank, other banks, etc.).
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly AML alert and case inventory to ensure alert analysis and case investigations are completed within established SLAs and regulatory timeframes.
• Ensure that COC and Level 3 teams are updated with the latest changes in the regulatory landscape.
• Enhance, review and uplift existing procedures, policies, and guidance in line with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure investigations, reporting, and controls are in place targeting each step of the investigative process workflow.
• Monitor individual and team productivity to ensure alerts are actioned within appropriate time frames.
• Serve as SME, coaching Associates and Investigators, providing mentorship and identifying continuing education opportunities for the team and promoting career progression initiatives for business and Level 3 Team.
• Review high-profile AML investigations with utmost confidentiality, including terrorist financing, subpoenas, and litigation as applicable.
• Manage individual performance evaluations throughout the year.
• Ensure investigations are completed timely and accurately to the required standard.
• Prepare ADHOK AML reports such as EDD / ISTR / STR and report AML and fraud STRs to UAE central bank.
• Respond to enquiries from the central bank and liaise with business units for enquiries.
• Ensure Level 3 conduct investigations on current or prospective customers and third parties, including background reviews, negative news screening, internet searches, and enhanced due diligence.
• Lead the Level 3 AML & CTF Alerts Investigation Team in providing positive, accurate and practical advice to all business and operations on questions and issues.
• Provide SME guidance to evaluate AML & CTF risks, advise on escalation to GCD, and manage suspicious transactions through Unusual Activity Reports (UAR).
• Improve investigation quality and train branches to provide standard replies to reduce compliance risk; identify process and control gaps and suggest improvements.
• Prepare suspicious transaction/activity reports (STRs) and other investigative products to support judgments and recommendations.
• Provide SME feedback to ensure Group AML / CFT policies remain updated and relevant; conduct regular meetings with the business, COC and Level 3 to facilitate communications and resolve AML & CTF issues.
• In the absence of the Alert Manager, work with the Head of AML & Sanctions Unit and Head of Financial Crime Compliance to develop and maintain a motivated, professionally trained staff, ensuring capacity planning and adherence to performance and quality standards.

In the absence of the Alert Manager, assist Head of AML & Sanctions Unit on organizational initiatives and other official matters when required.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge

• Professional qualification or industry-recognized certifications in AML compliance (e.g., AML/CS, 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 standards, and best practices (e.g., FATF guidance, Basel standards).
• Experience advising various business lines on AML & CTF matters across relationships.
• Proven management and leadership skills.
• Strong knowledge of AML & CTF policy and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and inter-managerial communication skills; comfortable dealing with senior managers.
• Analytical, review and assessment skills for compliance procedures and IT systems.
• Ability to balance compliance requirements with business needs and to build constructive relationships with peers and seniors.
• Fluent in English; reading/communication in Arabic is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Experience

Minimum requirements: Minimum of 5 years banking experience, of which 3 years should be in the 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).

Job ID 300002462656525