Head of Compliance & MLRO

Client of Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lead compliance function

Direct access to CEO/Board

Job summary

Client of Michael Page seeks a Head of Compliance & MLRO for its Dubai DIFC-based financial services firm. You will lead the compliance program, serve as DFSA liaison, and oversee AML/CTF controls across the business.

The role requires hands-on governance with regulators and a track record of shaping scalable controls. The ideal candidate brings 5–10+ years of DFSA/FSRA experience, strong KYC onboarding, and deep regulatory knowledge.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience as Compliance Officer & MLRO for DFSA/FSRA regulated firms.
• Strong understanding of AML, KYC, onboarding, suitability and compliance monitoring requirements.
• Experience drafting and maintaining compliance manuals, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Professional and Retail Client classifications.
• Experience engaging with regulators and managing regulatory submissions.
• Exposure to UAE regulatory frameworks including SCA and UAE Central Bank regulations would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the firm’s Head of Compliance and MLRO.
• Act as the primary compliance contact for the DFSA and other regulatory bodies.
• Maintain and enhance the compliance framework in line with DFSA requirements.
• Oversee AML/CTF sanctions and financial crime controls.
• Review and approve client onboarding KYC and due diligence processes.
• Manage suitability reviews, client classification and risk assessment procedures.
• Enhance and maintain compliance manuals, policies, procedures and governance documentation.
• Design and implement monitoring and testing programmes.
• Prepare compliance reports and risk assessments for senior management and Board committees.
• Deliver regulatory and compliance training across the business.
• Support regulatory inspections, thematic reviews and remediation projects.
• Provide practical compliance advice to business and client-facing teams.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the firm.
• Work with leadership to build scalable controls and governance structures.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

AML/CTF

KYC onboarding

Stakeholder management

Regulator liaison

Education

Degree in a related field

Job description

Own and shape a DFSA-regulated platformDirect exposure to CEO and Board stakeholders

About Our Client

Our client is a DFSA-regulated financial services firm based in the DIFC and backed by an established group b

Job Description

• Serve as the firm s Head of Compliance and MLRO
• Act as the primary compliance contact for the DFSA and other relevant regulatory bodies
• Maintain and enhance the firm s compliance framework in line with DFSA requirements
• Oversee AML CTF sanctions and financial crime controls
• Review and approve client onboarding KYC and due diligence processes
• Manage suitability reviews client classification and risk assessment procedures
• Enhance and maintain compliance manuals policies procedures and governance documentation
• Design and implement compliance monitoring and testing programmes
• Prepare compliance reports and risk assessments for senior management and Board committees
• Deliver regulatory and compliance training across the business
• Support regulatory inspections thematic reviews and remediation projects
• Provide practical compliance advice to business and client-facing teams
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the firm
• Work closely with leadership to build scalable controls and governance structures that support business growth

What s on Offer

• Opportunity to lead the compliance function of a growing DIFC-based firm
• Direct access to the CEO executive leadership team and Board

Contact Asma Siddiqui

Quote job ref JN-PHONE NUMBER

Job summary

• Sector Banking amp Financial Services Subsector Compliance amp Legal Industry Financial Services
• Where Dubai
• Contract type Permanent
• Consultant name Asma Siddiqui
• Job reference JN-PHONE NUMBER
• 5-10+ years of experience as Compliance Officer & MLRO for DFSA/FSRA regulated firms (preferably cat 4).
• Strong understanding of AML, KYC, onboarding, suitability and compliance monitoring requirements.
• Experience drafting and maintaining compliance manuals, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Professional and Retail Client classifications.
• Experience engaging with regulators and managing regulatory submissions.
• Background within wealth management, private banking, asset management, brokerage or related sectors is preferred.
• Familiarity with DFSA inspections, thematic reviews or remediation programmes is advantageous.
• Exposure to UAE regulatory frameworks including SCA and UAE Central Bank regulations would be beneficial.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate independently in a hands-on environment.
• Comfortable interacting with senior executives, Board members and regulators.
• Commercially minded with a pragmatic approach to risk and compliance.
• Degree qualified with relevant compliance, AML or governance certifications preferred.