Head of Compliance – Commodities/Trading

About the role

The Head of Legal (Compliance) will oversee and manage all compliance‑related legal functions within a fast‑growing international precious‑metals and mining business. The role requires deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks and the ability to provide expert legal guidance across multiple UAE entities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the compliance programme across multiple UAE entities, ensuring robust governance and risk management.
• Oversee AML, KYC, CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring and beneficial ownership assessments for high‑risk counterparties.
• Evaluate source of funds, source of wealth, supply‑chain integrity and responsible‑sourcing risks across international precious‑metals operations.
• Build, implement and continuously enhance compliance policies, procedures, controls and governance frameworks.
• Act as a key advisor to senior leadership and manage relationships with regulators, banks, auditors and external advisors.
• Lead internal investigations into potential financial‑crime, sanctions, responsible‑sourcing and compliance breaches, providing recommendations to senior management.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading AML, financial‑crime, compliance or risk functions within precious‑metals, commodities trading, banking or financial services.
• Deep knowledge of UAE AML/CFT regulations and governance best practices.
• Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, banks and external stakeholders while managing compliance risk independently.
• Familiarity with OECD Due Diligence Guidance, LBMA Responsible Sourcing Standards and commodities‑trading supply chains is advantageous.
• Ability to challenge stakeholders, make independent risk‑based decisions and operate confidently in a high‑growth, entrepreneurial environment.

Required skills

• Anti‑Money Laundering (AML)
• Know Your Customer (KYC)
• Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
• Sanctions screening
• Transaction monitoring
• Beneficial ownership assessments

What we offer

• Opportunity to build and lead a compliance function with significant autonomy and influence over business decisions.
• International exposure across Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, with potential global travel.