Head of Compliance & MLRO - DFSA Regulated

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

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.