Senior AML/CFT & Sanctions Leader — UAE

Confidential; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Abu Dhabi seeks a senior financial crime leader to design, implement, and oversee the firm's AML/CFT and sanctions framework in line with UAE regulations across banking, payments, and fintech clients.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution—leading reviews of suspicious activity, developing risk assessment programs, blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, and regulator liaison, with direct reporting to senior management.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in financial crime, AML/CFT, or sanctions within regulated financial services.
• Strong knowledge of UAE AML legislation, sanctions requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Experience in virtual assets, digital assets, banking, payments, brokerage, fintech, or related regulated environments.
• Hands-on leader with strategic and execution capability in financial crime programs.
• Willing to be based in Abu Dhabi or relocate as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the implementation and ongoing effectiveness of the AML/CFT and sanctions programme per UAE requirements.
• Review, investigate, and escalate on internal suspicious activity reports with reporting to authorities when required.
• Develop and maintain AML policies, risk assessment frameworks, CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring and sanctions screening.
• Oversee controls relating to virtual asset financial crime risks including blockchain analytics and wallet screening.
• Ensure Travel Rule compliance and related monitoring/reporting obligations.
• Maintain BRA and CRA frameworks and oversee investigations and monitoring activities.
• Oversee AML/CFT training programmes and ensure proper documentation.
• Act as primary contact with regulators and authorities on financial crime matters and provide AML reporting to senior management.

Skills

AML/CFT leadership

Regulatory compliance

Sanctions

Blockchain analytics

Stakeholder management

AI in AML

Strategic execution

Job description

Confidential in Abu Dhabi seeks a senior financial crime leader to design, implement, and oversee the firm's AML/CFT and sanctions framework in line with UAE regulations across banking, payments, and fintech clients.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution—leading reviews of suspicious activity, developing risk assessment programs, blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, and regulator liaison, with direct reporting to senior management.