Head of Compliance (DFSA)

ETRA Talent; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative financial services firm in Dubai is seeking a Head of Compliance to lead its compliance function. This pivotal role requires a strategic leader with a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and a commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and ethics. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance across various jurisdictions, developing robust policies, and advising senior leadership on risk management and governance practices. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will shape the future of compliance and drive excellence in regulatory practices. If you are passionate about compliance and ready to make an impact, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with laws and internal policies across jurisdictions.
• Design and implement compliance policies aligned with global standards.
• Advise senior management on governance practices and risk strategies.

Skills

Compliance Management

Regulatory Knowledge

Risk Management

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in Law

Degree in Business

Degree in Finance

Advanced Qualifications (LL.M, MBA, JD)

Job description

Head of Compliance

Location: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Financial Services / Capital Markets

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.