Head of Risk and Compliance

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Risk and Compliance to lead their regulatory framework in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role involves ensuring adherence to financial regulations, developing risk mitigation strategies, and overseeing compliance with local laws. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in risk management and compliance within the fintech or banking sectors. Join a fast-growing fintech innovating debt resolution with AI, where you will shape regulatory strategies and lead a high-impact team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 7+ years in risk management and compliance in banking or fintech.
• Strong understanding of SAMA/UAE CB regulations and AML/KYC guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with SAMA/UAE CB regulations for debt collection.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks effectively.

Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Policy Development

AML & KYC Oversight

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law

Bachelor's degree in Finance

CAMS certification

CRCM certification

FRM certification

Job description

About ClearGrid

ClearGrid is a digital debt resolution platform leveraging AI and advanced analytics to help financial institutions recover problem debt effectively. We partner with banks and fintechs to streamline collections, optimize recoveries, and offer customized borrower solutions. As we expand into Saudi Arabia, we seek a Head of Risk and Compliance to lead our regulatory and risk management framework in the market.

Role Overview

The Head of Risk and Compliance will be responsible for ensuring ClearGrid operates within the regulatory framework set by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)/ UAE CB and other relevant authorities while effectively managing operational and financial risks. This role requires a deep understanding of compliance, risk management, and financial regulations related to debt resolution, fintech, and financial services. The ideal candidate will establish policies, oversee regulatory adherence, and develop risk mitigation strategies to safeguard the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with SAMA/UAE CB regulations and other applicable financial laws governing debt collection and fintech operations in Saudi Arabia/UAE.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and regulatory risks associated with debt resolution and financial transactions.
• Policy Development: Establish, implement, and maintain compliance and risk management policies, procedures, and frameworks that align with local and international regulatory standards.
• Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact with SAMA/UAE CB and other regulatory bodies, ensuring timely reporting and adherence to compliance requirements.
• Audit & Monitoring: Conduct internal compliance and risk audits, prepare for external regulatory audits, and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.
• AML & KYC Oversight: Develop and enforce anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) processes in line with regulatory expectations.
• Operational Risk Control: Implement controls to mitigate financial, fraud, cybersecurity, and reputational risks.
• Training & Awareness: Educate employees on compliance and risk best practices, ensuring a culture of regulatory adherence and risk consciousness within the organization.
• Contract & Legal Review: Work closely with legal teams to review contracts, agreements, and partnerships to ensure compliance with Saudi/UAE regulations.
• Incident Management: Investigate compliance breaches, fraud cases, and operational risks, implementing corrective measures and reporting violations as required.

Requirements

• Experience: 7+ years in risk management, compliance, regulatory affairs, or financial services within banking, fintech, or debt resolution in KSA/UAE.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of SAMA/UAE CB regulations, debt collection laws, AML/KYC guidelines, and financial services compliance.
• Risk Expertise: Experience in enterprise risk management, fraud prevention, and operational risk control.
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading risk and compliance teams and driving regulatory strategy.
• Communication: Ability to interact effectively with regulators, legal teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to navigate complex compliance and risk challenges.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field (CAMS, CRCM, FRM, or similar certifications preferred).

Why Join ClearGrid?

• Lead risk and compliance efforts for a fast-growing fintech innovating debt resolution with AI.
• Play a key role in shaping regulatory and risk strategy for ClearGrid’s expansion in KSA.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• High-impact leadership role with growth opportunities.