Compliance Senior Analyst BSISA DIFC Branch (Dubai)

Santander; Dubai; On-site; AED 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Dubai is seeking a Compliance Senior Analyst to ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks and support compliance operations. Key responsibilities include conducting client due diligence, assisting with sanctions screening, and advising business teams on compliance matters. The ideal candidate should have experience in compliance or AML roles within banking, a strong understanding of DFSA and ADGM standards, and effective communication skills. This role is vital for minimizing compliance risks and ensuring smooth operations within the branch.

Qualifications

• Years of experience in compliance, AML, or financial crime roles within banking or financial services.
• Strong understanding of DFSA and ADGM regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with high-net-worth client due diligence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive client due diligence reviews.
• Assist with sanctions screening and transaction monitoring.
• Support updates to compliance policies and procedures.
• Provide compliance advisory to business teams.
• Ensure continuity of compliance operations across branches.

Skills

Compliance experience

AML knowledge

Due diligence

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Professional certifications such as ICA or CAMS

Job description

Compliance Senior Analyst BSISA DIFC Branch (Dubai)

Country : United Arab Emirates

The Senior Analyst – Compliance plays a key role in supporting the branch’s Compliance and Financial Crime framework by conducting day‑to‑day compliance operations, due diligence, client reviews, and policy implementation activities. The role is responsible for minimizing regulatory, financial crime, and reputational risk by ensuring that onboarding and ongoing due diligence processes meet DFSA and ADGM requirements, with a special focus on high‑risk and PEP clients.

The position provides FCC operational support, contributes to policy gap analyses, undertakes periodic reviews, and supports compliance coverage for both DIFC and ADGM branches. The Senior Analyst also acts as a backup for team members and performs additional compliance duties as required.

Key Responsibilities

Client Due Diligence & Onboarding Oversight :

Conduct comprehensive CDD / EDD reviews for onboarding and periodic reviews, with emphasis on high‑risk, PEP, and complex client structures.

Review escalations from the Onboarding Team for high‑risk clients, PEPs, cross‑border clients, and non‑standard cases.

Assess the adequacy of due diligence for prospects and clients across the Middle East region (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) and for NRI clients.

Perform ongoing monitoring of client profiles, documentation, and risk ratings.

Ensure alignment with DFSA / ADGM AML Rulebooks, international standards, and Santander Group policies.

Financial Crime Compliance Support :

Assist with sanctions screening, adverse media checks, and transaction monitoring escalations.

Contribute to the identification and escalation of suspicious activity and support SAR / STR preparation.

Participate in AML / CTF risk assessments and related FCC initiatives.

Regulatory Compliance & Policy Maintenance :

Support updates to policies, procedures, and compliance guidance in line with DFSA / ADGM rules and Group standards.

Conduct gap analyses to identify regulatory or policy changes requiring updates.

Assist in preparing regulatory submissions, responses, and documentation for audits and inspections.

Compliance Monitoring & Advisory :

Support execution of compliance monitoring activities, thematic reviews, and control testing.

Provide day‑to‑day advisory to business teams on CDD, suitability, cross‑border, and regulatory matters.

Review relevant client documentation, communications, and marketing materials for compliance alignment.

Team Support & Branch Coverage :

Provide backup support to team members to ensure continuity of compliance operations.

Support compliance coverage for both DIFC and ADGM branches.

Skills Required

• – years of experience in compliance, AML, or financial crime roles within banking or financial services, ideally in private banking.
• Strong understanding of DFSA and ADGM regulatory frameworks and international AML standards.
• Alignment with our common culture : TEAMS ( Think Customer; Embrace Change; Act Now; Move Together; Speak Up)
• Demonstrated experience handling HNW / UHNW client due diligence and Middle East client profiles.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work under pressure.
• Professional certifications such as ICA, CAMS, or equivalent preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact with senior stakeholders.

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