Head of Compliance - Commodities/Trading

Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Head of Legal (Compliance) to lead the organisation's compliance function across UAE entities, ensuring robust governance, risk management, and regulatory alignment.

You will oversee AML, KYC, CDD/EDD, sanctions screening, and transaction monitoring; develop policies, champion investigations, and advise senior leadership while coordinating with regulators, banks, and external auditors.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading AML, financial crime, compliance, or risk functions.
• Deep UAE AML/CFT regulatory knowledge and governance best practices.
• Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, banks, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to challenge stakeholders and make risk-based decisions in a high-growth environment.
• Knowledge of OECD Due Diligence Guidance and LBMA Responsible Sourcing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the organisation's compliance programme across UAE entities.
• Oversee AML/KYC/CDD/EDD, sanctions screening, and transaction monitoring.
• Develop, implement, and update policies, controls, and governance.
• Coordinate with regulators, banks, and auditors; lead internal investigations.
• Provide risk-based guidance to senior leadership.

Job description

The Head of Legal (Compliance) will oversee and manage all compliance-related legal functions within the organisation. This role requires a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and the ability to provide expert legal guidance.

Client Details

Our client is a fast-growing international precious metals and mining business with operations spanning the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The organisation operates in a complex, high-risk trading environment and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance, responsible sourcing, and governance.

Description

Lead and develop the organisation's compliance programme across multiple UAE entities, ensuring robust governance and risk management.Oversee AML, KYC, CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and beneficial ownership assessments for high-risk counterparties.Evaluate source of funds, source of wealth, supply chain integrity, and responsible sourcing risks across international precious metals operations.Build, implement, and continuously enhance compliance policies, procedures, controls, and governance frameworks.Act as a key advisor to senior leadership while managing relationships with regulators, banks, auditors, and external advisors.Lead internal investigations into potential financial crime, sanctions concerns, responsible sourcing issues, and compliance breaches, providing clear recommendations to senior management on risk acceptance and mitigation.

Profile

Proven experience leading AML, financial crime, compliance, or risk functions within precious metals, commodities trading, banking, or financial services.Strong expertise in AML, KYC, CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and beneficial ownership investigations.Deep understanding of UAE AML/CFT regulations and governance best practices. Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, banks, and external stakeholders while managing compliance risk independently. Knowledge of OECD Due Diligence Guidance, LBMA Responsible Sourcing Standards, commodities trading, mining, or precious metals supply chains would be highly advantageous.Demonstrated ability to challenge stakeholders, make independent risk-based decisions, and operate confidently in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment with limited compliance infrastructure.

Job Offer

Opportunity to build and lead a compliance function with significant autonomy and influence over business decisions.International exposure across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including potential global travel opportunities.

Skills

AML, KYC, CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and beneficial ownership assessments for high-risk counterparties.