Head of Compliance & MLRO

AimGulf; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

AimGulf is seeking a highly experienced Head of Compliance & MLRO in Dubai to own and shape a DFSA-regulated platform. The role offers direct exposure to CEO and Board stakeholders and requires leadership across governance, policies, and regulatory submissions.

Ideal candidates have 5–10+ years in DFSA/FSRA regulated roles, a strong background in wealth/asset management, and proven ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment within UAE regulatory context.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years as Compliance Officer & MLRO for DFSA/FSRA regulated firms.
• Experience drafting and maintaining compliance manuals, policies and procedures.
• Experience engaging with regulators and managing regulatory submissions.
• Background in wealth management, private banking, asset management, brokerage or related sectors.
• 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.
• Ability to operate independently in a hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

AML/KYC expertise

Onboarding

Compliance monitoring

Stakeholder management

Regulatory liaison

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree / compliance certifications

Job description

Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Work Mode: On-site

Job Reference/ID: JN-102026-7126432

Job Description / Role:

Our client is a DFSA-regulated financial services firm based in the DIFC and backed by an established group. This role offers the opportunity to own and shape a DFSA-regulated platform with direct exposure to CEO and Board stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

Experience Required:

• 5-10+ years of experience as Compliance Officer & MLRO for DFSA/FSRA regulated firms (preferably cat 4).
• Experience drafting and maintaining compliance manuals, policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Ability to operate independently in a hands-on environment.

Education Qualifications: Degree qualified with relevant compliance, AML or governance certifications preferred.

Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of AML, KYC, onboarding, suitability and compliance monitoring requirements.
• Knowledge of Professional and Retail Client classifications.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable interacting with senior executives, Board members and regulators.
• Commercially minded with a pragmatic approach to risk and compliance.

Employment / Job Type: Full Time

About the Company:

Global professional recruitment consultancy and part of London listed PageGroup. The firm specialises in qualified professional and management hiring across finance, banking, technology, engineering, property and construction, legal, human resources, sales, marketing, and supply chain. Its Middle East business operates from Dubai and publishes widely used regional salary guides.

Company Industry: Financial Services

Department / Functional Area: Compliance & Legal

Closing Date: Not mentioned (apply as soon as possible)