Job description

Job Summary

The Compliance Manager is responsible for leading, developing, and overseeing the company's compliance framework to ensure full adherence to UAE regulations governing precious metals trading, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) requirements, sanctions compliance, and internal governance policies. The role is responsible for fostering a strong compliance culture, mitigating regulatory and operational risks, and serving as the primary point of contact with regulatory authorities and external auditors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the company's compliance and AML/CFT framework in line with UAE laws, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable UAE regulations governing gold and precious metals trading.
• Lead the implementation and periodic review of AML/CFT, sanctions, KYC, CDD, and EDD policies and procedures.
• Oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Monitor customer transactions and business activities to identify suspicious transactions, unusual patterns, or potential regulatory breaches.
• Review, approve, and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other regulatory filings within prescribed timelines.
• Oversee sanctions screening of customers, suppliers, beneficial owners, and business partners against applicable sanctions and watchlists.
• Conduct enterprise-wide compliance risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to address identified risks.
• Establish and monitor key compliance controls, policies, and procedures to minimize regulatory exposure.
• Maintain comprehensive compliance records, registers, documentation, and audit trails in accordance with regulatory retention requirements.
• Monitor changes in UAE laws, regulations, and guidance, and ensure timely implementation of required policy and procedural updates.
• Lead internal compliance reviews and support regulatory examinations, external audits, and inspections.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans arising from compliance reviews, audits, or regulatory findings.
• Prepare regular compliance reports, dashboards, and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) for senior management and executive leadership.
• Design, deliver, and oversee compliance awareness and AML training programs for all employees.
• Provide compliance advice to management and business units on new products, customers, transactions, and operational matters.
• Liaise with regulators, law enforcement agencies, auditors, financial institutions, and other external stakeholders on compliance-related matters.
• Promote a culture of ethics, integrity, and regulatory compliance across the organization.
• Supervise and mentor Compliance Officers or other compliance personnel where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), International Compliance Association (ICA), or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5–8 years of compliance experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role, preferably within gold trading, precious metals, banking, financial services, or another regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations, sanctions compliance, KYC/CDD/EDD requirements, and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Thorough understanding of UAE regulatory requirements applicable to precious metals dealers and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs).
• Experience interacting with regulators, auditors, and external stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong understanding of compliance risk management and internal controls.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and report-writing skills.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and professional judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced regulatory environment.
• Strong decision-making and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with AML monitoring, sanctions screening, and compliance management systems is an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Regulatory compliance with zero or minimal significant findings during audits and inspections.
• Timely completion and quality of KYC, CDD, and EDD reviews.
• Accurate and timely submission of STRs and all regulatory reports.
• Effective implementation of compliance policies and regulatory changes.
• Reduction in compliance incidents, policy breaches, and regulatory risks.
• Successful completion of internal and external compliance audits.
• Employee compliance and AML training completion rates.
• Timely resolution of compliance issues and audit observations.
• Quality and timeliness of compliance reporting to senior management.
• Continuous improvement of the organization's compliance framework and risk management processes.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations, sanctions compliance, and KYC/CDD/EDD requirements.
• Strong understanding of regulatory obligations applicable to precious metals dealers and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs).
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and risk assessment skills.
• Strong knowledge of compliance monitoring, transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening systems.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate regulatory and operational risks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements to business operations.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical judgment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in regulatory reporting, including Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and compliance documentation.
• Ability to conduct compliance training and promote a strong compliance culture across the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Experience working with compliance management systems, AML software, and sanctions screening tools.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to liaise effectively with regulators, auditors, financial institutions, and senior management.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.