Chief Investment Officer (CIO)

About the role

The Chief Investment Officer leads the investment function of a DFSA Category 3C authorised firm, which covers asset management. The CIO is responsible for investment strategy, portfolio construction and the ongoing management of client portfolios within agreed mandates and the firm's risk appetite, and the role is confined to managing assets. It reports to the Senior Executive Officer (SEO) and is subject to the DFSA's fit and proper assessment.

Key responsibilities

• Design and lead the firm's investment strategy across managed assets, aligned with client mandates, disclosed strategy documents and risk appetite
• Oversee portfolio construction, asset allocation, rebalancing and performance across discretionary mandates
• Chair or serve on the Investment Committee and approve investment decisions above defined thresholds
• Own the investment strategies disclosed to retail clients and mandate control and implementation
• Keep investment activities within the scope of the Category 3C licence and work with Compliance, Risk Management and Internal Audit to meet DFSA requirements
• Support capital adequacy monitoring and ensure timely regulatory reporting, including annual returns and notifications when capital approaches thresholds
• Own investment reporting and communication to clients, representing the investment function to the SEO, Board, regulators, auditors and the DFSA
• Build and manage the investment team, including portfolio managers and analysts, and set investment policies, procedures and internal controls

Required profile

• 10+ years in investment management or asset management, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record managing portfolios in a regulated environment and experience with retail clients
• Prior experience under the DFSA or a comparable regulator (FCA, FSRA, CMA, SEC) strongly preferred
• Ability to satisfy DFSA fitness and propriety standards
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics or a related field; MBA or equivalent advantageous

Required skills

• Deep understanding of DFSA regulatory frameworks (PIB, COB, GEN modules)
• CFA, CAIA or equivalent qualification preferred
• Strong risk management and capital markets acumen
• Stakeholder management, board-level communication and leadership