Marlin Selection Recruitment
Head of Compliance & MLRO - Remote from London/Europe (Dubai)
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Head of Compliance & MLRO - Remote from London/Europe (Dubai)
Head of Compliance & MLRO – Dubai-Based Financial Services Firm
A exciting opportunity to join a Dubai-based financial services firm, working remotely from Europe. This role requires a ilyninded, highly capable Head of Compliance & MLRO, responsible for managing the firm’s compliance framework and ensuring adherence to DFSA, FATF, and UAE regulatory standards.
About the Role
The Head of Compliance & MLRO oversees the firm’s compliance framework, ensuring the organisation compliant with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards set by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), FATF (Financial Action Task Force), and other relevant authorities.
The role involves policymaking, regulatory reporting, AML/CTF oversight, and internal compliance monitoring, working closely with senior management to ensure effective risk management strategies are implemented.
Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Stay updated on changes in DFSA, FATF, and UAE Central Bank regulations.
- Ensure the firm’s policies and practices remain compliant with these requirements.
- Handle compliance with the DFSA Rulebook, including DIFC-specific regulatory obligations for asset management, credit arrangements, and financial transactions.
- Prepare, manage, and submit regulatory filings, notifications, and reports to the DFSA, adhering to strict deadlines.
- Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities for audits, inspections, and official correspondence.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF)
- Oversee the firm’s AML/CTF framework, covering:
- Client onboarding & due diligence (EDD)
- Client profiling and transaction monitoring (aligned with FATF standards)
- Implementation of high-risk client controls
- Maintain up-to-date AML/CFT policies in accordance with DFSA and UAE regulatory requirements.
- Conduct regular risk assessments and client profiling for high-risk individuals.
- Serve as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), handling Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and liaising with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
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Internal Compliance Policies & Procedures
- Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, ensuring alignment with DFSA regulations.
- Lead compliance training programs for all staff levels, covering:
- Regulatory obligations
- AML/KYC procedures
- Internal compliance standards
- Perform internal audits and compliance testing, recommending corrective actions where necessary.
- Oversee investigation and resolution of compliance breaches, with timely reporting to senior management and the board.
Compliance Risk Management
- Identify regulatory and operational risks, collaborating with risk, finance, operations, and technology teams.
- Coordinate compliance and regulatory risk assessments with internal and external auditors.
- Ensure ** robust data protection policies** align with local privacy laws.
Corporate Governance
- Provide expert compliance advice to the board of directors and senior management.
- Present compliance updates and reports in board and committee meetings.
- Ensure proper documentation of compliance activities, including:
- Meeting minutes
- Risk and investment committee decisions
- Report compliance concerns and exceptions in line with DFSA and UAE TFS mandates, adhering to Authorised Individuals principles.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
✔ Flawless regulatory report submission (on time, without fail) ✔ No major findings in internal/external compliance audits ✔ Minimal SAR escalations (AML/KYC processes) ✔ High staff engagement in compliance training ✔ Regular board updates on compliance risks and compliance
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Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree/Certification in:
- Business, Finance, Law, or related field
- Professional compliance/risk certifications, such as:
- ICA (International Compliance Association)
- ACAMS (Anti-Money Laundering Certification)
- 8–10 years of compliance experience in financial services, ideally in a leadership capacity
- Proven track record in a DFSA/Central Bank-regulated environment
Skills & Competencies
Required
✅ Strong analytical & strategic thinking skills ✅ Balanced approach to business growth vs regulatory compliance ✅ Deep understanding of financial crime risks, AML/CTF regulations ✅ Exceptional problem-solving & decisiveness in complex compliance matters ✅ Expertise in compliance monitoring & reporting frameworks ✅ Familiarity with data analytics for risk detection and auditing
Preferred
✔ Experience with technological tools for compliance risk management ✔ Familiarity with Electronic Surveillance & Customer Due Diligence (CDD) systems ✔ Experience building compliance training programs
We seek a dynamic, forward-thinking professional with a proactively compliance-driven mindset and the ability to guide a financial services team towards best practice standards. Remote work from Europe enabled.
Applications & inquiries should be directed to [insert contact details]. Excellence in compliance starts here.
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