Compliance Officer & MLRO (DFSA)

Flatgigs; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth fintech firm in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a seasoned Compliance Officer & MLRO to lead their compliance and AML/CFT frameworks. This role involves responsibility for compliance oversight, monitoring internal controls, and ensuring alignment with DFSA regulations. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in compliance within financial services, with a strong knowledge of DFSA and global AML frameworks. This is an opportunity to contribute to the firm's growth while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in compliance, AML/CFT, or regulatory roles in financial services.
• Experience in developing DFSA frameworks and managing compliance programs.
• Ability to operate autonomously and exercise sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a DFSA-aligned compliance framework.
• Oversee AML/CFT systems and respond to regulatory requests.
• Design compliance and AML training for employees.

Skills

Compliance oversight

AML/CFT governance

Risk management

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Certifications such as CAMS or ICA

Job description

Overview

Our client, a high‑growth fintech operating out of the DIFC, is looking for a seasoned Compliance Officer & MLRO to join their leadership team. This is a DFSA Authorised Individual role, and the ideal hire will take full ownership of the firm’s Compliance and AML/CFT frameworks while supporting the business through its next phase of growth.

Responsibilities

• Compliance Oversight – Build, enhance, and operationalise a DFSA‑aligned compliance framework. Draft, maintain, and enforce internal policies across DIFC and broader UAE regulations. Stay ahead of regulatory updates and interpret their impact on business activities. Prepare and submit DFSA reports, notifications, and returns with accuracy and speed. Advise senior leadership and the Board, ensuring compliance is embedded in strategic decisions.
• AML / CTF Governance (MLRO Responsibilities) – Oversee and maintain all AML/CFT systems, controls, and daily processes. Act as the key point of contact for the DFSA and FIU for AML‑related matters. Review suspicious activity reports, decide escalation paths, and file SARs where necessary. Respond to regulator and law‑enforcement requests. Ensure AML policies are in line with the DFSA AML Rulebook and global best practices. Continuously assess ML/TF and sanctions risks to strengthen internal controls.
• Monitoring & Internal Controls – Manage the compliance monitoring plan: periodic reviews, testing, and reporting. Document and resolve incidents or breaches with clear root‑cause analysis. Conduct internal audits or thematic reviews, sharing findings and remediation progress. Maintain all compliance records for inspection readiness.
• Training & Culture – Design and deliver ongoing compliance and AML training for all employees. Drive a culture of accountability and regulatory awareness across teams. Ensure compliance with CPD, competency requirements, and record‑keeping. Champion a “shared responsibility” approach to compliance — not a checkbox function.
• Cross‑Functional Risk Partnership – Partner with legal, product, ops, and finance teams on risk assessments. Support new product launches and market entries with early regulatory guidance. Work closely with Risk & Finance to align prudential, operational, and compliance controls. UAE‑based and eligible for DFSA Authorised Individual approval.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Compliance Officer/MLRO within a DFSA‑regulated firm.
• 10+ years in compliance, AML/CFT, or regulatory roles in financial services.
• Minimum 3 years in a DFSA‑regulated firm in an in‑house capacity (not consultancy).
• Hands‑on track record managing DFSA frameworks, inspections, supervision, and remediation.
• Strong knowledge of the DFSA Rulebook, UAE Federal AML laws, and global AML/CTF frameworks (FATF, Wolfsberg).
• Experience building or scaling compliance/AML programs from scratch.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder‑management capability.
• Preferred Experience in fintech, payments, or startup environments.
• Direct involvement in DFSA inspections or thematic reviews.
• Certifications such as CAMS , ICA , or equivalent.
• Ability to operate autonomously, exercise sound judgment, and own DFSA‑mandated functions.