Head of Compliance – Islamic Bank

Tanqeeb; Dubai; On-site; AED 406,000 - 487,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Allowance for self

Family medical insurance

Annual air ticket for self and family

Job summary

Islamic Bank in Dubai seeks an experienced Head of Compliance to lead the Bank’s AML/CFT function across UAE operations and to serve as the designated Compliance Officer and MLRO. You will act as the primary liaison with CBUAE, FIU and other regulators.

Overseeing CDD/EDD, sanctions screening, and regulatory reporting, you will drive the compliance program, manage inspections, and advise senior management and the Board on regulatory changes and remediation strategies.

Qualifications

• Must have strong expertise in CBUAE regulations and UAE AML/CFT requirements.
• Proven senior leadership experience managing Compliance teams and senior stakeholders.
• ACAMS certification is required; additional ICA/CFCS or similar qualification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide overall oversight of the Bank’s Compliance and AML/CFT function across UAE operations.
• Serve as the Bank’s designated Compliance Officer and MLRO, primary liaison with CBUAE, FIU and other regulators.
• Oversee the AML/CFT framework including CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and SAR/STR reporting.
• Advise Senior Management and the Board on regulatory developments and remediation while managing regulatory inspections.
• Lead the Compliance team and overall compliance program, including training and Board reporting.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

AML/CFT oversight

Stakeholder leadership

Regulatory engagement

Board liaison

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Job description

Position Title: Head of Compliance – Islamic BankEmployment Type: Full TimeSalary: up to 40,000 AED depending on experience and qualificationsBenefits: Allowance for self, family medical insurance and annual air ticket for self and family.Job Location: DubaiAbout the Client:One of the leading global institutions with strong regional presence across the UAE & Bahrain, known for driving innovation in Islamic and corporate banking.

Job Description

• Lead and provide overall oversight of the Bank’s Compliance and AML/CFT function across UAE operations, ensuring adherence to CBUAE regulations, UAE Federal Laws and international standards.
• Serve as the Bank’s designated Compliance Officer and MLRO, acting as the primary liaison with CBUAE, FIU and other regulatory authorities.
• Oversee the complete AML/CFT framework, including CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, correspondent banking controls and SAR/STR reporting.
• Advise Senior Management and the Board on regulatory developments, emerging compliance risks and remediation, while managing regulatory inspections and maintaining relationships with regulators and auditors.
• Lead the Compliance team and overall compliance program, including regulatory change, investigations, QA/assurance, risk assessments, annual compliance planning, training and Board reporting.

Qualifications

• Arabic speakers, aged 48 and below
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, preferably in Finance, Accountancy, Law or Commerce; With minimum 12 years' experience in Banking Compliance and AML/CFT within a regulated financial institution.
• Must have strong expertise in CBUAE regulations, UAE AML/CFT requirements, sanctions, regulatory reporting and financial crime compliance, with proven regulatory engagement and inspection/remediation experience.
• With proven senior leadership experience managing Compliance teams and senior stakeholders, with the ability to engage effectively with regulators, Board members and Senior Management.
• ACAMS certification required; additional ICA, CFCS or other recognized compliance qualification is advantageous