Senior Compliance Manager and MLRO (Abu Dabhi) Hybrid

About this role

Senior Compliance Manager and MLRO (Abu Dabhi) Hybrid (Permanent)

Senior Compliance Manager & MLRO (Abu Dabhi) required to join fast growing financial crime SaaS vendor. The role is responsible for ensuring the company’s compliance with all relevant AML and Regulations within ADGM, DIFC, DNFBP, VARA and the Gaming sector in the UAE and will have sound knowledge and awareness of the international AML laws and regulations.

This role involves leading the development and implementation of robust compliance framework processes, conducting thorough investigations and reporting suspicious activities.

The Senior Compliance Manager & MLRO will work closely with the Head of Insourcing and other internal departments to maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance, mitigate financial crime risks, and protect the integrity of the company’s operations.

The individual is responsible to act as a Compliance Officer and MLRO as per the insourcing and outsourcing assignments.

Regulatory Compliance: Responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with all relevant ADGM, DFSA, GCGRA and VARA laws, rules and guidelines and ensuring that all operations comply with the relevant UAE laws and regulations, policies, and directives.

Responsible Gaming: ability to implement and maintain a comprehensive Responsible Gaming (‘RG’) program which includes player education, responsible marketing, employee training and regular audits by a GCGRA[1]approved auditor.

Policies and Procedures plays a crucial role in developing, implementing. and maintaining comprehensive compliance, policies.

Procedures and internal controls. These should align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Responsibility for communicating these policies and procedures.

Risk Assessment and Management: Conducting regular risk assessments and implementing appropriate controls to identify potential compliance risks within the organisation.

Evaluating the existing and emerging risks, design appropriate control and develop strategies to identify and mitigate or manage these risks effectively related to money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes.

Compliance Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly audit and monitor operations to ensure ongoing compliance with regulators standards. Identify areas for improvement monitoring the organisation’s activities, processes and transactions to detect any compliance breaches or deviations from established policies. Conduct periodic compliance reviews and testing to assess the effectiveness of controls and identify areas for improvement.

Prepare reports and communicate findings to senior management and regulatory authorities as required.

Regulatory Reporting: Producing timely and accurate regulatory reporting is a critical responsibility. Ensuring that all required reports, notifications and filings are submitted to the ADGM, DFSA, GCGRA, VARA, other regulatory bodies and internal stakeholders in accordance with the specified deadlines and formats.

Maintain accurate records and documentation of all compliance activities. This includes preparing reports for regulatory bodies and internal stakeholders.

Training and Awareness: developing and delivering training on compliance training programs for employees including AML, CTF and responsible gaming practices. Raising awareness about regulatory requirements ethical standards and the organisation’s internal policies.

Promoting a culture of compliance within the organisation through ongoing education and training initiatives.

Investigations and Remediation: In the event of compliance breaches or incidents, conducting internal investigations to determine the root causes and extent of the non-compliance.

Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to develop remediation plans and implement corrective actions 10 prevent recurrence.

Relationship with Regulatory Authorities: Point of contact for regulatory authorities such as ADGM, DFSA and GCGRA. They maintain a positive and cooperative relationship, responding to enquiries, providing requested information, and participating in regulatory examinations or inspections.

Emerging Regulatory Developments: Staying informed about emerging regulatory developments and industry trends is crucial. Assessing the potential impact on the organisation, recommending necessary changes or enhancements and ensure proactive compliance with upcoming requirements.

Ethics and Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity is a fundamental responsibility. Fostering a culture of ethical behaviour, promoting compliance awareness and ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering (AML), antibribery and corruption policies.

Customer Support: Provide support and guidance to customers regarding responsible gaming practices and available resources for problem gaming.

Experience required:

Extensive experience in Compliance, Financial Crime, and AML roles, preferably within the gaming or financial services industry.

Proven experience in risk management identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial crime risks.

Experience in managing compliance projects, including the development and implementation of Financial Crime Frameworks processes and systems.

Experience in conducting compliance audits and monitoring activities to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory standards.

Ability to provide guidance and support to customers regarding compliance and responsible gaming practices

Manage and enhance the KYC processes, including customer onboarding, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring.

Ensure all KYC records are properly maintained and updated in line with regulatory requirements.

Able to conduct risk assessments on customers based on their profile and transaction history.

Sound knowledge to use AML and Sanctions Screening and monitoring systems GoAML / DFSA / FSRA

Exposure to GoAML, DFSA and FSRA portals are highly desirable. Understanding the process of submitting SARs and STRs and regulatory reporting is imperative to this role

Strong leadership skills demonstrated ability to lead and manage compliance teams, including training and mentoring staff.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and implement effective compliance strategies.

High level of integrity and professionalism, with a strong commitment to ethical standards

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with regulatory bodies, internal departments, and external partners.

Willingness to travel within the UAE to client offices as required.

Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic or another relevant language is an advantage