Head of Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)

Mamo; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a CO/MLRO to lead compliance efforts and foster relationships with regulators. This role is pivotal in shaping a culture of integrity and trust, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. You'll work closely with a passionate team, pushing boundaries while maintaining operational efficiency and risk management. Join this exciting journey to enhance financial inclusion and make a significant impact in the fintech sector. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are committed to excellence, this is the opportunity for you.

Benefits

Startup environment

Individual responsibility

Caring and empathetic team

Continuous learning opportunities

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of managerial experience in compliance or AML.
• Proven experience in financial services compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Review and update compliance manuals and policies.
• Build relationships with regulatory bodies and file returns.
• Conduct compliance monitoring and prepare board reports.

Skills

Compliance Management

AML Knowledge

Regulatory Frameworks

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Relevant Industry Certifications (e.g., ACAMS, CISI)

Tools

Compliance Software

Job description

At Mamo, we believe that compliance is about upholding a culture of integrity, trust, and growth. As our next CO/MLRO, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and nurturing a compliance environment that embodies these values.

We are looking for someone who not only possesses deep expertise in regulatory frameworks but also resonates with our commitment to innovation, human connection, and purpose-driven leadership. Your role will involve fostering transparent relationships with regulators and being a trusted advisor across our team.

We are looking for someone who embraces our vision and can inspire those around them to think beyond compliance as a necessity and see it as a means of building something extraordinary.

You will work hand-in-hand with a passionate team that pushes boundaries while ensuring we remain compliant, secure, and ahead of the curve locally and internationally.

Join us on this journey and help shape the next chapter of our story.

NOTE BEFORE APPLYING
Although we appreciate the potential of AI, we kindly request that you answer our screening questions independently to allow us to really get to know you. Applications with AI-assisted responses may not proceed further in the selection process.

Why you'll love working here

• Startup environment that's big on individual responsibility and leans on process and automation.
• We're big on culture. Work with stunning, supportive product, design, and engineering teams on problems that matter.
• You will be learning and growing all of the time. From business, product, and design to engineering, you will be learning from a world-class team that is caring, kind, and empathetic.
• Mamo has the potential for a wide-reaching impact. Mamo is taking on the challenge of bringing about a new era of financial inclusion that begins close to home by providing access and experiences that make sense. That means you will never be bored.

What You Will Do

• Review and update compliance manuals, procedures, and policies to reflect ongoing regulatory changes and best practices in the region.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies to influence policy direction, obtain necessary licenses and consents, and ensure all required notifications, filings, and returns are completed on time.
• File regulatory returns on a monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc basis, ensuring full compliance with statutory obligations.
• Continuously reassess and re-design the company's compliance processes to improve risk management and operational efficiency.
• Design and deliver interactive training sessions and internal briefings to keep the team aligned with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Support the assessment and selection of third-party providers for customer due diligence processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
• Provide regular briefings to the team and senior leadership on regulatory changes and their potential impact on Mamo's operations.
• Monitor the processes and infrastructure that performs AML/KYC checks and transaction monitoring to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records on Controllers, Regulatory Authorized Individuals, breaches, complaints, regulatory communications, and all required documentation.
• Conduct periodic compliance monitoring, delivering comprehensive board reports on system effectiveness and implementing any necessary enhancements.
• Prepare, submit, and present Quarterly Board Returns, providing comprehensive oversight on compliance activities, outcomes, and key regulatory updates to the Board.
• Advise the Board and senior leadership on local regulatory matters, ensuring alignment with current policies.
• Manage internal suspicious activity reports, taking appropriate action and filing external reports with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit when required.

What We're Looking For

• UAE resident, meeting all CBUAE regulatory requirements.
• 3-5 years of hands-on managerial experience in compliance, AML, or a related field.
• Proven experience managing compliance programs in financial services or payment service companies.
• Adaptable in managing shifting priorities, ensuring tasks are completed even under competing demands.
• Strong analytical abilities, enabling clear decision-making and problem-solving.
• Fluent in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Prior experience working in a fintech environment is a plus.
• Experience in compliance roles within the UAE, with a solid understanding of CBUAE regulations.
• Experience with RPCS and SVF licenses.
• Holds relevant industry certifications such as ACAMS and CISI.