Chief Compliance Officer

Client of Aventus Global Talent; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Client of Aventus Global Talent in Dubai seeks a Chief Compliance Officer to lead regulatory governance, oversee AML/CFT, sanctions and anti-bribery, and enable responsible growth of a digital financial services business.

You will steward Compliance by Design across product, technology and commercial functions, engage with the UAE regulators including the CBUAE, build a high-performing team and embed a culture of integrity and prudent risk management.

Qualifications

• 13+ years in Compliance with senior leadership in banking or financial services.
• Strong UAE regulatory knowledge with credibility engaging with CBUAE.
• Experience building governance frameworks; conduct risk and consumer protection.
• Ability to influence boards and executives with independent judgement.
• Experience in digital banking, payments, fintech or regulated expansion.
• Leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory compliance and conduct governance across the organisation.
• Provide strategic compliance advisory to CEO and Board.
• Engage with regulators including CBUAE and manage regulatory change.
• Embed Compliance by Design in product, technology and commercial decisions.
• Develop policies, procedures, and governance frameworks; oversee risk.
• Mentor the compliance function and foster a culture of integrity.

Skills

Regulatory governance

Leadership

CBUAE liaison

Anti-money laundering

Financial crime risk

Stakeholder management

Digital banking/fintech

Regulatory strategy

Education

Law/Finance degree

Compliance qualifications

Job description

Title

Chief Compliance Officer

Location

Dubai

About the Client

Our client is an innovative digital financial services organisation As the business continues to grow and expand its offering including Embedded Finance they are seeking a Chief Compliance Officer to lead the compliance function strengthen regulatory governance and support the responsible growth of the business This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced compliance professional with a strong background in banking or financial services who can combine regulatory credibility and independent oversight with a pragmatic commercially minded approach

Key Responsibilities

Lead the organisation s Regulatory Compliance and Conduct framework ensuring effective governance adherence to applicable regulatory requirements and high standards of business conduct Provide strategic compliance advice and independent challenge to the CEO Board and senior management supporting business growth while maintaining an appropriate risk and control environment Build and maintain strong relationships with financial services regulators particularly the CBUAE leading regulatory engagement inspections and regulatory change initiatives Embed Compliance by Design across Product Technology and commercial decision-making ensuring regulatory considerations are integrated into new products partnerships and business initiatives from inception Oversee the development and continuous enhancement of compliance policies procedures and governance frameworks across the organisation and its regulated entities Provide oversight and challenge across conduct risk consumer protection and broader regulatory compliance matters supporting fair customer outcomes and responsible business practices Work closely with the responsible MLRO and relevant stakeholders to support effective financial crime risk management including AML CFT sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption Identify emerging regulatory and compliance risks advising on practical mitigation strategies and supporting business expansion innovation and new propositions including Embedded Finance Lead develop and mentor the compliance function embedding a strong culture of integrity accountability and regulatory awareness across the organisation

Key Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business or a related discipline. Relevant professional compliance qualifications would be advantageous.13+ years' experience within Compliance, with significant experience in senior Regulatory Compliance leadership roles in traditional banking or established financial services institutions.Strong understanding of the UAE regulatory environment, with demonstrable credibility and experience engaging with the CBUAE and other relevant financial services regulators.Proven experience leading broad Regulatory Compliance and governance frameworks, with strong knowledge of conduct risk, consumer protection and wider regulatory obligations.Experience advising and influencing Boards, executive management and senior business stakeholders, with the judgement and independence to challenge decisions where required.Demonstrated ability to embed compliance into business strategy, product development and commercial decision-making, balancing regulatory expectations with business objectives.Experience in digital banking, payments, fintech or supporting new products, business models or business expansion within a regulated environment would be advantageous.Strong understanding of financial crime risk management, including AML/CFT, sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption, with the ability to provide appropriate oversight alongside the responsible MLRO.Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.