Job Description
Roles & Responsibilities
About the Role:
We are seeking a seasoned Director of Compliance to lead our compliance function in the United Arab Emirates. The ideal candidate will have deep regulatory knowledge, strong risk analysis capabilities, and proven experience managing stakeholder relationships. This role will oversee all compliance activities, drive reporting and analytics, and ensure adherence to UAE and international regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive compliance framework aligned with UAE regulations and international standards
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate regulatory and operational risks
- Monitor, interpret, and communicate changes in the regulatory environment to senior leadership and business units
- Oversee preparation and delivery of compliance reports to regulators, board members, and executive management
- Manage relationships with regulatory bodies, external auditors, and key internal stakeholders
- Provide expert guidance and training to business units on compliance policies, procedures, and best practices
- Lead internal investigations and remediation activities for compliance breaches
- Drive continuous improvement of compliance processes and systems through data analysis and performance metrics
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
- 12+ years of progressive compliance, risk management, or regulatory experience in the UAE or GCC region
- In-depth knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, including Central Bank regulations, ADGM/ DIFC rules, and relevant AML/CFT laws
- Proven technical expertise in risk analysis and compliance reporting
- Demonstrated ability to manage senior stakeholders and influence across functions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex regulatory requirements
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Experience leading compliance teams and managing cross-functional projects
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline
- Professional certifications such as CAMS, CRCM, CCEP, or equivalent
- Experience in the banking, financial services, or insurance sectors
- Familiarity with global regulatory standards (e.g., Basel III, FATF)
- Proficiency in Arabic and English
- Experience implementing compliance technology solutions