Regulatory Compliance & Assurance Lead

About the role

A leading international law firm is looking for a Regulatory Compliance & Assurance Lead to join its team in the UAE. Previous experience within a law firm is essential. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise in AML, KYC, sanctions, financial crime compliance and regulatory frameworks with significant MENA regional experience, advising partners and senior stakeholders across a multi-jurisdictional business.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee regulatory compliance and assurance activity across the UAE and the wider MENA region.
• Advise partners, senior lawyers and business stakeholders on regulatory compliance, AML, KYC, sanctions and financial crime matters.
• Monitor regulatory developments and their impact on the firm's operations, policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain compliance frameworks, controls, policies and governance processes.
• Lead compliance assurance reviews, internal audits and thematic reviews, identify risks and recommend improvements.
• Support regulatory reporting and engagement with regulators, and manage regulatory inspections, enquiries and requests for information.
• Work with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions and guide clients on onboarding, KYC, AML, sanctions and financial crime requirements.
• Identify ways to strengthen the compliance framework, keep senior stakeholders informed of emerging risks, and promote a strong compliance culture.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer/solicitor or legal professional background with experience in an international or leading law firm.
• Significant experience in regulatory compliance, compliance assurance, internal audit, investigations and/or regulatory reporting.
• Strong MENA regional experience and detailed understanding of the regulatory landscape across the UAE and wider region.

Required skills

• AML/CFT, KYC, sanctions and financial crime compliance
• Regulatory compliance and assurance
• Internal audit and regulatory reporting