Head of Internal Audit

Bank of Palestine Global; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Bank of Palestine Global in Abu Dhabi is building a new digital bank and seeks an experienced Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead the function from the ground up, shaping risk-based practices from day one. This leadership role requires building a robust, independent Internal Audit framework while ensuring ADGM/FSRA regulatory alignment across banking operations, credit, treasury, and technology.

This position demands senior leadership, stakeholder management, and a deep understanding of

Qualifications

• 16+ years of Internal Audit experience in banking or financial services.
• Experience building or transforming Internal Audit functions in regulated institutions.
• CIA / CISA / ACCA / ACA / CPA or equivalent qualification.
• Experience engaging with Boards, Audit Committees, regulators and senior executives.
• Start-up or newly established bank experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an independent, risk-based Internal Audit framework.
• Develop IA Charter, methodology, policies and annual risk-based plan.
• Build audit universe, risk assessment, planning, fieldwork and follow-up processes.
• Provide independent assurance over governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Lead audits across banking ops, credit, treasury, finance, compliance, AML/CFT, tech, cyber, data, outsourcing and resilience.
• Assess design and effectiveness of key controls; identify gaps and remediation areas.
• Report findings to Governing Body / Audit Committee and Senior Management.
• Monitor remediation and escalate overdue issues; maintain independence.
• Engage with Risk, Compliance, Finance, Technology and other control functions.
• Ensure IA remains resourced and trained; promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Maintain awareness of ADGM/FSRA regulatory requirements and evolve IA framework accordingly.
• Engage effectively with external auditors and regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Internal controls

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Auditing

Education

CIA / CISA / ACCA / ACA / CPA

Job description

We are building a new digital bank in ADGM and are looking for an experienced Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead our Internal Audit function from the ground up.

This is a key leadership role for someone who can build a robust, independent and risk-based Internal Audit framework while supporting the Bank through its build, launch and growth phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an independent, risk-based Internal Audit framework aligned with the Bank’s business model, risk profile and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain the Internal Audit Charter, methodology, policies and annual risk-based audit plan.
• Build the Internal Audit framework, including audit universe, risk assessment, audit planning, fieldwork, reporting and issue follow-up processes.
• Provide independent assurance over the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Lead audits across key areas including banking operations, credit, treasury, finance, compliance, AML/CFT, technology, cybersecurity, data, outsourcing and operational resilience.
• Assess the design and effectiveness of key controls and identify control gaps, emerging risks and areas requiring remediation.
• Report significant audit findings, control weaknesses and emerging risks to the Governing Body / Audit Committee and Senior Management.
• Monitor and validate management’s remediation of audit findings and escalate overdue or significant issues appropriately.
• Work closely with Risk, Compliance, Finance, Technology and other control functions while maintaining complete independence and objectivity.
• Ensure Internal Audit remains appropriately resourced, skilled and equipped as the Bank grows.
• Establish a strong culture of accountability, control and continuous improvement across the Bank.
• Maintain strong awareness of ADGM/FSRA regulatory requirements and ensure the Internal Audit framework evolves with the Bank’s regulatory and business environment.
• Maintain effective engagement with the Governing Body, Audit Committee, Senior Management, external auditors and regulators.

What We’re Looking For

• 16+ years of Internal Audit experience, preferably within banking or financial services.
• Proven experience in building, establishing or transforming Internal Audit functions, ideally within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong understanding of banking, governance, risk management, internal controls and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience across digital banking, technology, cybersecurity, operational risk and third-party/outsourcing risk is highly desirable.
• Professional qualification such as CIA, CISA, ACCA, ACA, CPA or equivalent.
• Strong experience engaging with Boards, Audit Committees, regulators and senior executives.
• Excellent analytical, communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of professional integrity, independence and sound judgement.
• Experience working in a start-up, transformation or newly established bank would be an advantage.