Head of Compliance (DFSA)

ETRA Talent; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative financial services firm in Dubai is seeking a Head of Compliance to lead their compliance function. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in regulatory compliance and risk management. You will be responsible for ensuring adherence to laws and regulations, developing compliance frameworks, and advising senior management on governance practices. If you have a passion for fostering a culture of integrity and ethics, and wish to make a significant impact within a dynamic organization, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in senior compliance roles in financial services.
• Strong understanding of UAE regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations across jurisdictions.
• Design and implement compliance policies and procedures.

Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in Law

MBA

LL.M

Job description

Direct message the job poster from ETRA Talent

CEO | Co-Founder | ETRA Talent | Executive Search Specialist | Connecting Top Talent Across US, UK, Europe, Middle East & MENAT Regions

Head of Compliance

Location : Dubai, UAE

We are partnering with a dynamic and forward-thinking financial services firm in Dubai to identify a Head of Compliance who will lead and elevate the firm's compliance function. This is a critical leadership role, ideal for someone with strategic vision, hands-on expertise, and a passion for fostering a culture of integrity, ethics, and regulatory excellence.

Key Responsibilities :

• Ensure full compliance with applicable laws, regulatory frameworks, and internal policies across multiple jurisdictions.
• Design, implement, and continuously refine compliance policies, procedures, and control frameworks that align with global standards and local regulations.
• Identify and mitigate legal, regulatory, and reputational risks across all business lines, advising senior leadership on proactive risk strategies.
• Act as the primary point of contact with regulators (e.g. DFSA / ADGM), nurturing constructive relationships and overseeing timely, accurate reporting and filings.
• Collaborate with global compliance and surveillance teams to develop robust systems that detect potential breaches, market abuse, or misconduct.
• Develop and lead training programs that embed a culture of compliance and ethical behaviour across the organisation.
• Lead sensitive internal investigations, managing conflicts of interest, suspected breaches, or misconduct with objectivity and confidentiality.
• Advise senior management and the Board on governance practices, ensuring alignment with international best practice.
• Provide forward-looking compliance guidance on new business initiatives, regulatory developments, and transactions, balancing innovation with risk management.

Qualifications & Experience :

• A degree in Law, Business, Finance or related field; advanced qualifications (LL.M, MBA, JD) are a plus.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior compliance roles within financial services, preferably brokerage, capital markets, or investment banking.
• Strong understanding of UAE regulatory frameworks (DFSA, ADGM), and broader MENA / international market regulations.
• Proven leadership in managing compliance teams and navigating complex, cross-border regulatory environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the gravitas to engage effectively with regulators, executive leadership, and the Board.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal
• Industries : Financial Services and Investment Banking