Head of Compliance & MLRO

About the role

The client, a DFSA‑regulated wealth management firm in the DIFC, is seeking a hands‑on Head of Compliance & MLRO to lead and expand its compliance function. You will own AML, KYC, onboarding, governance and regulatory engagement, supporting the firm’s next growth phase.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the firm’s Head of Compliance and Money‑Laundering Reporting Officer, acting as primary contact for the DFSA and other regulators.
• Maintain and enhance the compliance framework to meet DFSA requirements, overseeing AML, CTF, sanctions and financial‑crime controls.
• Review and approve client onboarding, KYC, due‑diligence, suitability reviews, client classification and risk assessments.
• Develop and maintain compliance manuals, policies, procedures and governance documentation.
• Design and implement monitoring and testing programmes, prepare reports and risk assessments for senior management and the Board.
• Deliver regulatory and compliance training, support inspections, thematic reviews and remediation projects.

Required profile

• 5‑10+ years as a Compliance Officer & MLRO in DFSA/FSRA‑regulated firms (preferably category 4).
• Strong knowledge of AML, KYC, onboarding, suitability and compliance monitoring requirements.
• Experience drafting and maintaining compliance manuals, policies and procedures.
• Background in wealth management, private banking, asset management or brokerage preferred.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and ability to work independently.

Required skills

• AML
• KYC
• DFSA regulatory framework
• Compliance monitoring

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead the compliance function of a growing DIFC‑based firm.
• Direct access to the CEO, executive leadership team and Board.