Head of GRC

HALA; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech player in Saudi Arabia is looking for a Regulatory Compliance Officer to ensure full adherence to local regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating compliance frameworks, engaging with regulators, and promoting a compliance culture across the organization. A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, or Business is required. This role offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to work in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation packages

Training and development opportunities

Diverse and inclusive culture

Autonomy and responsibility

Qualifications

• Experience with Saudi regulatory requirements and compliance.
• Strong understanding of AML/CFT laws issued by Saudi authorities.
• Ability to design compliance frameworks and policies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable regulations.
• Lead regulatory inspections, audits, and supervisory reviews.
• Design and deliver compliance training programs for all staff.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

AML/CFT framework

Risk-based compliance approach

KYC / KYB

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field

Job description

HALA is a leading fintech player in the MENAP region that aims to redefine financial services and build the future bank of SMEs. HALA aims at empowering SMEs to start, run, and grow their businesses by providing them with cutting‑edge financial and technological tools.

HALA currently holds multiple entities in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt (including HALA Payments, HALA Cashier and HALA Logistics) and offers solutions that enable merchants to digitize their payments as well as manage their sales and operations.

Founded in 2017, HALA is currently duly licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank as well as the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the compliance framework of the company to ensure full adherence to Saudi regulatory requirements, internal policies, and ethical standards. The role acts as the primary liaison with regulators and ensures the business operates in a safe, compliant, and sustainable manner.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance (Saudi Focus)

Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable regulations including but not limited to:

• CMA (if applicable)
• ZATCA (VAT, tax, e‑invoicing)
• AML/CFT laws issued by Saudi authorities

Monitor regulatory updates, circulars, and guidelines and translate them into actionable internal policies.

Lead regulatory inspections, audits, and supervisory reviews.

Act as MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) where required.

Design and oversee AML/CFT framework including:

• KYC / KYB
• Sanctions screening
• STR / SAR reporting

Ensure alignment with Saudi AML Law, FATF standards, and SAMA guidelines.

Compliance Framework & Policies

Develop and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and manuals.

Implement a risk‑based compliance approach.

Establish compliance monitoring and testing programs.

Ensure compliance controls are embedded across products, operations, and technology.

Advisory & Business Support

Provide compliance guidance on:

• New products and services
• Partnerships, outsourcing, and vendors
• Marketing, pricing, and customer communications

Participate in product approvals and change management processes.

Ensure compliance does not unnecessarily hinder business growth.

Governance & Reporting

Prepare compliance reports for:

• Senior Management
• Regulators

Escalate material compliance breaches and regulatory risks.

Training & Compliance Culture

Design and deliver compliance training programs for all staff.

Promote a strong compliance and ethics culture across the organization.

Ensure staff awareness of regulatory obligations and company policies.

Regulatory Engagement

Serve as the primary point of contact with regulators.

Manage regulatory filings, notifications, and approvals.

Support license applications, renewals, and scope expansions.

Key Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field.

What We Offer You

We believe you will love working at HALA!

• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that encourages innovation and flexibility in remote, in‑office, and hybrid work setups.
• We offer highly competitive compensation packages, including the potential for shares.
• We prioritize personal development and offer regular training and an annual learning stipend to tackle new challenges and grow your career in a hyper‑growth environment.
• Join a talented team of over 30 nationalities working in 7 countries and gain valuable experience in an exciting industry.
• We offer autonomy, mentoring, and challenging goals that create incredible opportunities for both you and the company.
• You will be given a lot of responsibility and trust. We believe that the best results come when the people responsible for a function are given the freedom to do what they think is best.