Deputy Head of Financial Crime Compliance and MLRO

About the role

The Deputy Head of Financial Crime Compliance and MLRO at ADIB Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank establishes and oversees an effective, sustainable Anti-Money Laundering (AML) programme covering people, processes, systems and controls across the ADIB Group. The role ensures that all business activities comply with applicable financial crime laws and regulations, international best practice and the Group's own policies, and leads the AML unit and related areas including AML/CTF, anti-bribery and corruption.

Key responsibilities

• Set and approve AML role competencies, develop the AML team and coach direct reports; review and recommend the AML budget and monitor adherence.
• Maintain up-to-date FCC governance documents and contribute to refining AML policies, procedures and risk assessment methodologies.
• Establish and lead the AML function, build the Group FCC framework and oversee Group-wide implementation of FCC controls.
• Oversee monitoring at the Compliance Operations Center, review monitoring indicators, identify anomalies and trends and ensure teams are right-sized to meet SLAs.
• Build and manage FCC risk models, escalate policy violations and advise business units on AML/CTF, anti-bribery and corruption.
• Contribute to FCC training content, take a leading role in face-to-face training and ensure mandatory training is rolled out.
• Act as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) registered with the CBUAE, liaise with AML regulators and ensure a clear process for reporting suspicious transactions.
• Oversee production of internal and external Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and MLRO reports, and manage relationships with correspondent banks.
• Represent ADIB in regulatory inspections, coordinate regulatory communications and ensure reporting frameworks for AML predicate offences.
• Manage the FCC technology team, oversee IT systems and projects, and follow up audit recommendations.
• Support the Compliance Monitoring, Assurance and Testing (CMAT) team, attend management and senior management meetings, and report critical AML issues to the Board and committees.

Required profile

• Masters degree in Science, Finance, Business or a related subject.
• 15+ years of financial crime compliance experience at a top-tier international bank, including 8-10 years managing large, complex AML/CTF/Sanctions teams.
• Experience in a Compliance function focused on a robust FCC programme, and a strong track record with regulators and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence outcomes and simplify complex topics.

Required skills

• ACAMS certification or equivalent.
• Exceptional knowledge of AML/CTF, sanctions, KYC/CDD and anti-bribery and corruption requirements in the UAE and across international jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of international cross-border rules such as OFAC and UN sanctions.