Head Of AML UAE (UAE Nationals Preferred)

Citi; New York (NY); On-site; USD 191,000 - 272,000; Full time

Job summary

Citi is seeking a Head Of AML UAE (UAE Nationals Preferred) to lead multiple AML teams across locations, shaping the governance framework and driving compliance across the business. The role requires deep AML expertise, strategic leadership, and effective communication with senior stakeholders.

Based in Dubai, the Head Of AML UAE will coordinate with regulators, internal audit, and compliance colleagues to ensure robust controls, timely reporting, and continuous improvement of programs across

Qualifications

• Extensive AML/regulatory knowledge with global standards.
• Proven ability to design and implement AML controls and policies.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and risk-based decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain AML policies and controls across the UAE entity.
• Lead multiple AML teams and ensure consistent reviews across entities.
• Coordinate with regulators, internal audit, and Compliance Assurance; manage audits and responses.
• Provide AML training and development for business lines.
• Identify and monitor money-laundering risks; escalate issues with senior management.

Skills

AML regulations

Risk assessment

Leadership

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Regulatory reporting tools

Job description

Head Of AML UAE (UAE Nationals Preferred)

Job Req Id:

26983431

Location(s):

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Type:

On-Site/Resident

Posted:

Oct. 19, 2026

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Job Overview

The AML Compliance Officer (AMLCO) manages multiple teams through other managers. In-depth understanding of how own sub-function contributes to achieving the objectives of the function. A good understanding of the industry, direct competitors’ products and services, is also necessary in order to contribute to the commercial objectives of the business. Requires thorough understanding of strategic direction of the function within the relevant part of the business, combined with a solid conceptual/practical grounding in both the function and/or area of expertise and related subject areas. Excellent communication skills required in order to negotiate internally, often at a senior level. Some external communication/negotiation may be necessary. Responsible for executing functional strategy in area managed. Determines approach to implementing functional strategy. Accountable for end results, budgeting, planning, policy formulation and contribution to future strategy of the area(s). Impact reflects size of team managed, strategic influence on the business and interaction with other functions or businesses. Full management responsibility for multiple teams, including management of people, budget and planning, to include duties such as performance evaluation, compensation, hiring, disciplinary actions and terminations and budget approval. Shall be doing involved or responsible for diverse (cross-discipline) activities.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, deliver, and maintain best-in-class AML Compliance policies and practices; provide a mechanism for identifying key money laundering risks and how the mitigation of those risks would be monitored and measured through a robust control framework. Confirm that reviews are conducted consistently across each entity on a regular basis to validate that the controls identified are operating effectively.
• Develop and improve upon the Governance and Escalation framework to inform senior management in a timely manner of emerging issues for promptly action and correction.
• Establish a formal Feedback Channel with the Businesses, Internal Audit and Compliance Assurance to validate that root cause analysis is performed proactively and communicated to relevant stakeholders through the established channel. In addition, review, consolidate, address, and track to resolution significant issues identified through root cause analysis to senior management. Furthermore, validate that the feedback / root causes from various channels is consolidated and shared within Compliance to allow for enhancements to Policy/Standards and Learning & Development, as necessary.
• Continually review and monitor the results from Manager Control Assessments (MCAs) to determine if changes are required.
• Liaise with regulators externally and Citi Internal Audit and Compliance Assurance staff, as appropriate, including coordinating AML-related examinations, audit and reviews, document production, and issue responses - to confirm that there is consistency in responses and issues are communicated across regions, such that actions and conclusions are shared.
• Provide adequate training is provided to the Business lines and other AML Compliance employees, and, as needed, participate in the design and delivery of training as required, to inform employees of the objectives of the program.
• Lead and manage a diverse team of staff across multiple locations; invest in the development of all team members to facilitate consistent execution.
• Additional duties as assigned.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years FinCrime experience, preferably UAE and/or Middle East region.
• AML certification
• Prior work experience in a financial institution with job specific work experience in AML
• Self-motivated and detail oriented
• Proactive leadership and motivational skills
• Consistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex problems and solutions through concise and clear messaging Significant knowledge and expertise of AML regulations, risks and appropriate controls Experience in the design and implementation of AML programs Demonstrated ability to assess complex issues through root cause analysis and other analytical techniques; structure potential solutions; drive to resolution with senior stakeholders Ability to influence and lead people across cultures at a senior level using sound judgment and successful execution, understanding how to operate effectively across diverse businesses Experience with and previous exposure to internal or external control functions and regulators (incl. the US); particularly banking and AML regulators
• Level of comfort with creative tension across different lines of defense while maintaining professionalism and a shared goal of increased quality levels across the program
• Proven ability to effectively assessing and managing competing priorities Experience managing diverse teams, and comfort navigating complex, highly-matrixed organizations Knowledge of the laws applicable to money laundering, including the Bank Secrecy Act, The USA PATRIOT Act, US Treasury AML guidelines, OFAC requirements, and Suspicious Activity Reporting requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's/University degree, Master's degree preferred

Job Family Group:

Compliance

Job Family:

AML Core

Time Type:

Full time

Most Relevant Skills

Analytical Thinking, Business Acumen, Credible Challenge, Digital Skills (Including AI), Laws and Regulations, Process Execution, Program Management, Referral and Escalation, Risk Controls and Monitors, Risk Identification and Assessment.

Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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