Head of Compliance & MLRO – DFSA-Regulated Finance Leader

Yello; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Yello seeks a seasoned Head of Compliance and MLRO to lead the firm’s regulatory program in the DIFC. You will oversee AML/KYC, onboarding, risk assessments and governance, acting as the main contact for DFSA and other authorities.

The role requires 5–10+ years in DFSA/FSRA regulated environments, strong policy development skills, and a pragmatic, independent approach to risk and governance.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Lead as Head of Compliance and MLRO for DFSA-regulated firm
• Act as primary compliance contact for DFSA and other regulators
• Maintain and enhance compliance framework in line with DFSA requirements
• Oversee AML, CTF, sanctions and financial crime controls
• Review and approve client onboarding, KYC and due diligence
• Manage suitability reviews, client classification and risk assessments
• Enhance and maintain compliance manuals, policies and governance docs
• Design and implement compliance monitoring and testing programmes
• Prepare compliance reports and risk assessments for senior management and Board
• 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 impact
• Work with leadership to build scalable controls and governance structures

Skills

Head of Compliance

MLRO

Regulatory liaison

AML

KYC

Stakeholder mgmt

Regulatory reporting

Interpersonal com

Education

Degree in relevant field

Compliance certifications

Job description

Yello seeks a seasoned Head of Compliance and MLRO to lead the firm’s regulatory program in the DIFC. You will oversee AML/KYC, onboarding, risk assessments and governance, acting as the main contact for DFSA and other authorities.

The role requires 5–10+ years in DFSA/FSRA regulated environments, strong policy development skills, and a pragmatic, independent approach to risk and governance.