Compliance Officer

A&A Associate; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 167,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

A Compliance Officer role in the UAE requires ensuring operations align with UAE laws, AML/CFT, KYC, and internal policies. The candidate will implement policies, conduct KYC/CDD/EDD reviews, perform AML screening, monitor transactions, and support regulatory inspections across Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of UAE compliance experience, a related bachelor's degree, and strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills to guide internal teams and maintain risk

Qualifications

• 3+ years of UAE compliance experience.
• Experience in CSP, business setup, financial services, banking, auditing, or professional services environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of UAE AML/CFT regulations, KYC, CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with UAE laws, regulations, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal compliance policies and procedures.
• Conduct KYC, CDD, and EDD reviews for new and existing clients.
• Perform AML screening, including sanctions, PEP, and adverse media checks.
• Monitor client activities and transactions for potential AML/CFT risks.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance and operational risks.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date compliance records and documentation.
• Conduct periodic compliance reviews and internal audits.
• Investigate and elevate suspicious activities or compliance concerns.
• Assist with STR and other regulatory filings, where required.
• Monitor regulatory updates and ensure timely implementation of changes.
• Support regulatory inspections, audits, and requests from UAE authorities.
• Provide compliance guidance to internal departments.
• Conduct compliance training and awareness sessions for employees.
• Maintain compliance risk assessments and client risk-rating frameworks.
• Monitor high-risk clients, jurisdictions, and business activities.
• Prepare periodic compliance reports for management.

Skills

UAE compliance

AML/KYC

Risk management

Regulatory reporting

Documentation & auditing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law/Finance/related field

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Compliance Officer to ensure the organization operates in accordance with applicable UAE laws, regulations, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of UAE compliance frameworks, AML regulations, KYC procedures, and risk management practices, preferably within a Corporate Service Provider (CSP), business setup, financial services, or professional services environment. Location Flexibility: Candidates should be open to working in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, depending on business requirements and operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with applicable UAE laws, regulations, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal compliance policies and procedures.
• Conduct KYC, CDD, and EDD reviews for new and existing clients.
• Perform AML screening, including sanctions, PEP, and adverse media checks.
• Monitor client activities and transactions for potential AML/CFT risks.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance and operational risks.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date compliance records and documentation.
• Conduct periodic compliance reviews and internal audits.
• Investigate and elevate suspicious activities or compliance concerns.
• Assist with STR and other regulatory filings, where required.
• Monitor regulatory updates and ensure timely implementation of changes.
• Support regulatory inspections, audits, and requests from relevant UAE authorities.
• Provide compliance guidance to internal departments.
• Conduct compliance training and awareness sessions for employees.
• Maintain compliance risk assessments and client risk-rating frameworks.
• Monitor high-risk clients, jurisdictions, and business activities.
• Prepare periodic compliance reports for management.
• Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive client information.

Requirements

• 3+ years of relevant UAE compliance experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Compliance, or a related field.
• Experience in a CSP, business setup, financial services, banking, auditing, or professional services environment is preferred.
• Strong understanding of UAE AML/CFT regulations, KYC, CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with UAE regulatory requirements and reporting procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple compliance activities.
• Willingness to work between Dubai and Abu Dhabi based on business requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• CAMS, ICA, ACAMS, or other relevant compliance certifications.
• Experience dealing with UAE regulatory authorities.
• Experience in AML compliance within the corporate services/business setup sector.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory developments and AML best practices