Head of Compliance - Dubai (CMA/SCA Accredited)

Lmax; Dubai; On-site; AED 320,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

LMAX Group in Dubai seeks a senior Compliance leader to shape and oversee the regulatory framework within a fast-growing institutional exchange.

The role places you at the forefront of UAE compliance and AML/CFT programs, reporting to senior leadership and driving robust controls, policies, and CPD across the team.

You will act as MLRO, manage SCA/CMA interactions, and ensure accurate reporting, risk mitigation, and timely regulatory filings.

Qualifications

• University degree with a minimum of 5 years in financial markets.
• Alternative: 5 years in financial markets plus one or more of the listed qualifications.
• Certifications for anti-money laundering tasks such as ICA or ACAMS.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for the SCA/CMA; manage filings and inspections.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Compliance Manual and internal policies reflecting latest circulars.
• Perform the final compliance sign-off on promotional material and client communications.
• Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive compliance programs.
• Oversee monitoring and reporting of compliance risks; timely identification and mitigation.
• Manage regulatory filings, audits, and inspections per UAE rules.
• Drive CPD initiatives within the team for global financial standards.
• Act as MLRO; oversee AML/CFT framework and reporting mechanisms.
• Maintain oversight of goAML for STRs and SARs submissions when necessary.
• Provide staff training on compliance; foster a culture of compliance.
• Ensure effective liaison with regulators and external auditors.
• Transaction monitoring for global entities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

University degree

Master Financial Controller / CIA / CMA / CPA qualifications

ICA Compliance Certifications

Job description

Joining the Compliance division at LMAX Group’s new Dubai office offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the compliance framework within a dynamic and fast-growing institutional exchange environment. This role places you at the forefront of regulatory adherence and risk management, working closely with senior leadership to ensure robust compliance practices that support the company’s strategic objectives. You will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and operational excellence in a complex financial market landscape.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary point of contact for the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA/CMA). Manage all regulatory filings, information requests, and supervisory inspections.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the firm’s Compliance Manual and internal policies. This includes ensuring all policies are updated to reflect the most recent SCA/CMA circulars.
• Perform the final "compliance sign-off" on all promotional material and client-facing communications, ensuring they are fair, clear, and not misleading.
• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive compliance programs aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices
• Oversee the monitoring and reporting of compliance risks, ensuring timely identification and mitigation of potential issues
• Manage regulatory filings, audits, and inspections, ensuring full adherence to UAE financial rules and regulations
• Drive continuous professional development initiatives within the team to maintain up-to-date knowledge of global financial compliance standards
• Act as the firm’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). Oversee the entire AML/CFT framework, including internal controls, risk assessments, and reporting mechanisms.
• Maintain oversight of the goAML portal for the submission of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when necessary.
• Provide expert guidance and training to staff on compliance matters, fostering a culture of compliance awareness across the organization
• Ensure effective communication and liaison with regulatory bodies and external auditors
• Transaction monitoring for global entities

Requirements

• University degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial markets or relevant fields,
• Alternatively, a minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial markets combined with one or more of the following qualifications: Master Financial Controller, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Development Finance Analyst, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), ICA Certificate in Compliance, ICA International Advanced Certificate in Regulatory Compliance, ICA Advanced Certificate in Legal Compliance, or ICA Certificate in Regulatory
• Relevant certifications for anti-money laundering tasks such as ICA International Advanced Certificate in Anti Money Laundering, ICA Advanced Certificate in Practical Client Due Diligence, ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Fraud, ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Sanctions Risk, ICA Specialist Certificate in Financial Crime Risk in Global Banking and Markets, ICA Specialist Certificate in Money Laundering Risk in New Technology, or Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS)
• Successful completion of exams on UAE Financial Rules and Regulations and Combating Financial Crime
• Commitment to ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPDs) in Global Financial Compliance
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills