Head of Financial Crime Compliance

Aventus Global Talent; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking institution in Riyadh is searching for a Head of Financial Crime Compliance to oversee the implementation and improvement of compliance frameworks. The ideal candidate will have 6-8 years of experience in financial crime compliance, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in English and Arabic. This role involves liaising with regulators and managing a specialized team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years experience in financial crime compliance in banking.
• Senior-level leadership experience required.
• Strong knowledge of SAMA regulations, AML, sanctions, and international standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and improvement of AML and compliance frameworks.
• Manage a team overseeing sanctions advisory and AML monitoring.
• Serve as liaison with regulators and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Fluency in English

Fluency in Arabic

Education

Bachelor's degree with ACAMS, ACSS, or CCO certification

Job description

Title: Head of Financial Crime Compliance Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About the Client: Our client, a well‑established bank in Saudi Arabia, is seeking a Head of Financial Crime Compliance to join their team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the AML, sanctions, and financial crime compliance framework.
• Manage and develop a team overseeing sanctions advisory, AML monitoring, and compliance intelligence functions.
• Provide expert advice on compliance risks related to products, transactions, and clients, ensuring alignment with local and international regulations.
• Oversee AML transaction monitoring and screening systems, ensuring effective detection, investigation, and escalation of alerts.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulators, correspondent banks, and internal stakeholders, ensuring timely and comprehensive responses to compliance requests and audits.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant professional certifications such as ACAMS, ACSS, or CCO.
• 6-8 years experience in financial crime compliance within banking, including senior‑level leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of SAMA regulations, AML, sanctions, and international financial crime standards.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills with fluency in English and Arabic.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and work independently under tight deadlines.