Chief Compliance & MLRO — DFSA Regulated Growth Lead

Client of Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lead compliance function

Direct access to CEO/Board

Job summary

Client of Michael Page seeks a Head of Compliance & MLRO for its Dubai DIFC-based financial services firm. You will lead the compliance program, serve as DFSA liaison, and oversee AML/CTF controls across the business.

The role requires hands-on governance with regulators and a track record of shaping scalable controls. The ideal candidate brings 5–10+ years of DFSA/FSRA experience, strong KYC onboarding, and deep regulatory knowledge.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience as Compliance Officer & MLRO for DFSA/FSRA regulated firms.
• Strong understanding of AML, KYC, onboarding, suitability and compliance monitoring requirements.
• Experience drafting and maintaining compliance manuals, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Professional and Retail Client classifications.
• Experience engaging with regulators and managing regulatory submissions.
• Exposure to UAE regulatory frameworks including SCA and UAE Central Bank regulations would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the firm’s Head of Compliance and MLRO.
• Act as the primary compliance contact for the DFSA and other regulatory bodies.
• Maintain and enhance the compliance framework in line with DFSA requirements.
• Oversee AML/CTF sanctions and financial crime controls.
• Review and approve client onboarding KYC and due diligence processes.
• Manage suitability reviews, client classification and risk assessment procedures.
• Enhance and maintain compliance manuals, policies, procedures and governance documentation.
• Design and implement monitoring and testing programmes.
• Prepare compliance reports and risk assessments for senior management and Board committees.
• Deliver regulatory and compliance training across the business.
• Support regulatory inspections, thematic reviews and remediation projects.
• Provide practical compliance advice to business and client-facing teams.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the firm.
• Work with leadership to build scalable controls and governance structures.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

AML/CTF

KYC onboarding

Stakeholder management

Regulator liaison

Education

Degree in a related field

Job description

Client of Michael Page seeks a Head of Compliance & MLRO for its Dubai DIFC-based financial services firm. You will lead the compliance program, serve as DFSA liaison, and oversee AML/CTF controls across the business.

The role requires hands-on governance with regulators and a track record of shaping scalable controls. The ideal candidate brings 5–10+ years of DFSA/FSRA experience, strong KYC onboarding, and deep regulatory knowledge.