Head of Compliance – Islamic Bank

Position Title: Head of Compliance – Islamic Bank Employment Type: Full Time Salary: up to 40,000 AED depending on experience and qualifications Benefits: Allowance for self, family medical insurance and annual air ticket for self and family. Job Location: Dubai

About the Client: One of the leading global institutions with strong regional presence across the UAE & Bahrain, known for driving innovation in Islamic and corporate banking.

Job Description:

• Lead and provide overall oversight of the Bank’s Compliance and AML/CFT function across UAE operations, ensuring adherence to CBUAE regulations, UAE Federal Laws and international standards.
• Serve as the Bank’s designated Compliance Officer and MLRO, acting as the primary liaison with CBUAE, FIU and other regulatory authorities.
• Oversee the complete AML/CFT framework, including CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, correspondent banking controls and SAR/STR reporting.
• Advise Senior Management and the Board on regulatory developments, emerging compliance risks and remediation, while managing regulatory inspections and maintaining relationships with regulators and auditors.
• Lead the Compliance team and overall compliance program, including regulatory change, investigations, QA/assurance, risk assessments, annual compliance planning, training and Board reporting.
• Arabic speakers, aged 48 and below
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, preferably in Finance, Accountancy, Law or Commerce; With minimum 12 years' experience in Banking Compliance and AML/CFT within a regulated financial institution.
• Must have strong expertise in CBUAE regulations, UAE AML/CFT requirements, sanctions, regulatory reporting and financial crime compliance, with proven regulatory engagement and inspection/remediation experience.
• With proven senior leadership experience managing Compliance teams and senior stakeholders, with the ability to engage effectively with regulators, Board members and Senior Management.
• ACAMS certification required; additional ICA, CFCS or other recognized compliance qualification is advantageous