Group Head of Financial Crime/MLRO

About the role

The Group Head of Financial Crime/MLRO will set the strategic direction for Momentum’s Financial Crime function across all licensed entities in the UAE. Reporting to the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, the role carries ultimate responsibility for AML, CFT and PF compliance, regulatory reporting and fostering a strong compliance culture.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and oversee group‑wide policies, programmes and risk‑based AML/CFT/PF frameworks in line with international standards and UAE regulations.
• Directly supervise two Deputy MLROs and lead the Financial Crime team, providing guidance, performance feedback and fostering collaboration with Compliance Operations, Technology and Customer Support.
• Design and maintain customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence and ongoing monitoring processes, including source‑of‑funds and source‑of‑wealth assessments.
• Create, tune and review transaction‑monitoring scenarios, manage alert handling, investigations and STR/SAR reporting through goAML or equivalent systems.
• Oversee sanctions screening, match handling, freezing measures and related regulatory filings.
• Act as primary liaison with GCGRA, the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit and other supervisory authorities, managing examinations and remediation.
• Ensure AML/CFT/CPF training programmes are risk‑based, role‑specific and regularly updated.

Required profile

• Minimum 7 years of specialised AML/CFT/PF experience in online gaming, sportsbook or financial services.
• Proven track record designing and operating AML frameworks, transaction‑monitoring systems and sanctions controls.
• Previous senior MLRO or equivalent role with authority to report directly to governing bodies.
• Degree in Law, Business Management, Risk Management or related field; professional AML qualification (e.g., CAMS) strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Required skills

• Sanctions controls
• Customer due diligence (CDD)
• Enhanced due diligence (EDD)
• AML CFT CPF training programmes
• STR/SAR decision‑making and reporting
• goAML or equivalent reporting systems
• Transaction monitoring systems
• Regulatory engagement
• Counter‑Terrorism Financing
• Proliferation Financing
• MLRO