Own the CMA (SCA) license application end-to-end: documentation, submissions, regulator meetings, and responses to queries
Be named as the designated Compliance Officer; obtain and maintain personal fit & proper approval
Serve as the Company`s primary liaison with relevant regulatory authorities.
Design the UAE Compliance Framework: policies manual, compliance monitoring program, internal controls register, and client classification
Prepare and submit the Annual Compliance Report (ACR) and semi-annual internal controls reports to the CMA
Act as the named MLRO with full statutory responsibility, register and maintain MLRO designation on the UAEFIU goAML system
Build the Compliance Management Framework (CMF) specifically for Category 5 activities: Investment Intermediation, Client Classification (Retail vs. Professional), and Suitability Assessments
Manage the end-to-end STR lifecycle: alert review, investigation, goAML filing, and liaison with UAEFIU and law enforcement where required
Conduct the annual Business-Wide AML Risk Assessment and present findings to the board; ensure sanctions screening (OFAC, UN, EU, UAE) is embedded across onboarding and transaction monitoring
Monitor CMA regulatory developments; translate changes into concrete actions with defined timelines; evaluate new business initiatives and provide compliance opinions
Review and approve all UAE client-facing marketing materials; maintain the complaints handling framework with defined resolution timescales and regulatory reporting
Prepare monthly and quarterly board-level compliance reports; coordinate external audits and manage remediation of findings to closure
Design and deliver AML/compliance training for all UAE staff; act as the internal regulatory advisor to partners, operations, finance, and product teams
Requirements:
7+ years in financial compliance: Minimum 3 years in the UAE under CMA (SCA) regulation. DFSA/FSRA background considered
Bachelor's degree: Law, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
Proven CMA (SCA) license track record: Personally led a CMA (SCA) license application
Retail FX/CFD expertise: Deep understanding of retail FX/CFD products from a compliance perspective
Relevant professional qualification acceptable to the CMA (e.g. CISI UAE Financial Rules & Regulations or equivalent)
Clean fit & proper record: Must have been previously approved as a CO/MLRO by the SCA (CMA)
goAML expert proficiency: Hands-on experience with UAEFIU goAML: registration, STR filing, and ongoing system maintenance
UAE residency: physically based in the UAE and eligible to serve as a named Compliance Officer and MLRO with the CMA
AML/CFT legal framework mastery
Will be a plus:
CAMS, ICA Diploma, ACFCS, or equivalent compliance qualification
LLM, MBA, or postgraduate degree in compliance, law, or finance
Prior experience coordinating multi-jurisdiction compliance standards within an international group
Professional proficiency in Arabic is a meaningful advantage in regulator engagement
We offer:
Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays
Medical budget
Professional education budget
Language learning budget
Wellness budget (gym membership, sports gear and related expenses)