Head of Risk

J. Awan & Partners; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head of Risk to oversee the risk management framework. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in risk management, with a strong track record in regulatory compliance and risk governance. This role requires excellent analytical and communication skills to manage risks effectively and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive risk management experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong track record of building risk governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the bank’s enterprise-wide risk management framework.
• Lead the identification, measurement, monitoring, and reporting of all material risks.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and prepare risk reports.

Skills

Risk governance frameworks

Regulatory compliance

Crisis management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management

Professional certifications (FRM, PRM, CFA)

Job description

Overview

Job Title : Head of Risk

Reports to : Board of Directors

Role : Full time

Location : Abu Dhabi

Company Details

Our client is a financial institution licensed to provide a comprehensive range of banking products and services. Built on a foundation of resilience and innovation, it has grown into a trusted provider of financial solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions. The organisation is deeply committed to financial inclusion, social responsibility, and aligning with global best practices in financial services and technology.

Job Purpose

The Head of Risk is responsible for establishing and leading the bank’s risk management framework to ensure sound risk governance, regulatory compliance, and long-term financial sustainability in accordance with FSRA’s regulatory standards. The role’s primary purpose is to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate all categories of risk—including credit, market, liquidity, operational, conduct, compliance, and strategic risks—while fostering a strong risk culture across the organization.

This position plays a critical role in safeguarding the bank’s assets, reputation, and stakeholders by embedding a robust risk management strategy aligned with the bank’s overall business objectives. The Head of Risk acts as an independent advisor to the Board of Directors and senior management, ensuring that all risks are clearly articulated, understood, and effectively managed within the risk appetite and tolerance approved by the Board.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop, implement, and oversee the bank’s enterprise-wide risk management framework in line with ADGM and FSRA regulations.
• Act as the key advisor to the Board Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee (ARCC) and Executive Management on all risk-related matters.
• Ensure alignment of risk management strategies with the bank’s overall business objectives and regulatory obligations.
• Foster a risk-aware culture across the organization through training, awareness, and communication.

Risk Identification, Assessment & Monitoring

• Lead the identification, measurement, monitoring, and reporting of all material risks, including credit, market, liquidity, operational, conduct, and reputational risks.
• Establish robust systems and controls to ensure early detection of emerging risks and vulnerabilities.
• Conduct regular stress testing, scenario analysis, and capital adequacy assessments to evaluate resilience under adverse conditions.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of risk appetite frameworks and risk tolerance levels approved by the Board.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with ADGM, FSRA, Basel III, and other relevant international risk management standards.
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate risk reports to regulators, the ARCC, and senior management.
• Monitor regulatory developments and proactively adjust frameworks, policies, and processes to remain compliant.

Risk Policies, Frameworks & Controls

• Design and update comprehensive risk management policies, frameworks, and procedures.
• Establish key risk indicators (KRIs) and performance metrics to track and escalate risk exposures.
• Oversee the implementation of risk mitigation measures, contingency planning, and recovery strategies.
• Ensure adequate systems for internal controls, segregation of duties, and operational resilience.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and mentor the risk management team, ensuring continuous development and succession planning.
• Collaborate with business units to embed risk considerations into strategic decision-making and daily operations.
• Act as the primary point of contact with internal and external auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders on risk-related matters.

Crisis & Incident Management

• Provide oversight and leadership in crisis situations, ensuring prompt and effective escalation, communication, and resolution.
• Lead post-incident reviews and ensure lessons learned are embedded into improved processes and controls.

Skills and Experience (essential to any successful application)

• Minimum 15 years of progressive risk management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a regulated financial institution.
• Demonstrated experience in enterprise-wide risk management, covering credit, market, liquidity, operational, and regulatory risk.
• Strong track record of building and leading risk governance frameworks in line with ADGM / FSRA requirements, as well as international standards (e.g., Basel III / IV).
• Proven ability to engage with regulators (FSRA, Central Banks, international regulators) and represent the bank at supervisory reviews, inspections, and regulatory meetings.
• Exposure to product risk assessments for wholesale, retail, investment banking, and digital banking offerings.

Skills

• Deep understanding of ADGM and FSRA regulatory frameworks, including prudential requirements, and risk-based supervision.
• Proficiency in risk modelling, stress testing, ICAAP, IRAP, and capital adequacy frameworks.
• Advanced knowledge of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) systems and risk reporting tools.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to assess quantitative and qualitative risks.
• Knowledge of emerging risks such as fintech, cyber,
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and challenge at Board and Executive Committee level.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, capable of balancing regulatory expectations, shareholder priorities, and business growth.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to present complex risk concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• High level of integrity, independence, and judgment, essential for maintaining robust risk oversight.
• Experience developing risk-aware culture across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or a related discipline;
• Professional certifications such as FRM (Financial Risk Manager), PRM (Professional Risk Manager), CFA, or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Basel standards, IRAP and ICAAP frameworks.

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