Deputy Head of Financial Crime Compliance & MLRO

About the role

The Deputy Head of Financial Crime Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) 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, AML/CTF, anti-bribery and corruption functions.

Key responsibilities

• Implement and oversee the Group's compliance strategy within the AML remit, and set and approve the core competencies of AML roles
• Build a technically competent AML team, coach direct reports and act as a role model for ethics
• Review and recommend the AML budget, and keep the team within budget
• Maintain up-to-date FCC governance documents and improve policies, processes and systems
• Establish and lead the AML function, build the Group FCC framework and oversee its implementation
• Monitor suspicious activity reports, review trends and anomalies, and right-size the Compliance Operations Centre teams
• Manage risk models, escalate policy breaches, and advise business units on AML/CTF, anti-bribery and corruption
• Deliver mandatory FCC training and take a leading role in face-to-face sessions
• Act as the MLRO registered with the CBUAE, liaise with regulators and manage relationships with correspondent banks
• Represent ADIB in regulatory inspections and coordinate regulatory communications
• Manage the FCC technology team, oversee IT systems, and follow up audit recommendations
• Support the CMAT team, report key AML issues to the Board and senior management, and review investigation results

Required profile

• Master's degree in science, finance, business or a related subject
• 15+ years of financial crime compliance experience, including 8-10 years managing large, complex AML/CTF/sanctions teams
• Experience advising or working in a compliance function focused on a robust FCC programme
• Proven track record dealing with regulators and stakeholders

Required skills

• ACAMS certification or equivalent
• Deep knowledge of AML/CTF, sanctions, KYC/CDD and ABAC in the UAE and international jurisdictions
• Knowledge of OFAC, UN, EU sanctions, FATCA, FATF and BIS rules
• Strong communication, influence and problem-solving skills