Head of Compliance

Client of Hanson Search Ltd; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

ADGM-regulated financial services firm seeks a Head of Compliance in Abu Dhabi to own the regulatory framework and the relationship with the regulator. You will be the senior voice on compliance, ensuring the business grows confidently while meeting high standards.

Reporting to the CEO with a direct line to the Board Risk and Audit Committee, you will build and lead a scalable compliance function, embed a culture of integrity, and advise on regulatory change and emerging risks.

Qualifications

• Extensive compliance experience within regulated financial services, including at least 5 years in a senior or head-of-function role.
• Direct experience with a UAE regulator such as the FSRA, DFSA or Central Bank of the UAE.
• In-depth knowledge of AML/CFT, sanctions and financial crime frameworks; MLRO experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and continuously improve the firm’s compliance framework.
• Policies and monitoring programme.
• Manage the relationship with the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
• FSRA regulatory filings, notifications and inspections.
• Oversee AML/CFT controls in line with UAE framework; MLRO supervision.

Skills

Regulatory compliance leadership

UAE regulator knowledge

AML/CFT expertise

Board-level advisory

MLRO experience

Education

ICA / CAMS certification

Law/Finance degree

Job description

We are partnering with a fast-growing ADGM-regulated financial services firm on the appointment of a Head of Compliance in Abu Dhabi. This is a pivotal leadership role for a compliance professional who wants to build and lead a best-in-class compliance function in one of the region's leading international financial centres.

Head of Compliance

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer with a direct line to the Board Risk and Audit Committee, the Head of Compliance will own the firm’s regulatory compliance framework and its relationship with the regulator. You will be the senior voice on compliance matters ensuring the business can grow with confidence while meeting the highest regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Design implement and continuously improve the firm s compliance framework
• policies and monitoring programme
• Manage the relationship with the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority
• FSRA including regulatory filings
• notifications and inspections
• Oversee anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing controls in line with the UAE AML CFT framework
• acting as or supervising the MLRO
• Advise the Board and senior management on regulatory change
• emerging risks and new business initiatives
• Lead compliance training and embed a strong culture of integrity across the organisation
• Build and lead a compliance team that scales with the business

Requirements

• Extensive compliance experience within regulated financial services, including at least 5 years in a senior or head-of-function role
• Direct experience with a UAE regulator such as the FSRA, DFSA or Central Bank of the UAE
• In-depth knowledge of AML/CFT, sanctions and financial crime frameworks; MLRO experience is highly desirable
• The ability to obtain approval as a regulated Approved Individual or Senior Executive Officer equivalent
• A relevant professional qualification (for example ICA or CAMS) and a degree in law, finance or a related discipline
• Confident communication skills and the credibility to challenge and advise at Board level