Location: Dubai, UAE
We are currently seeking a highly experienced Head of Compliance & MLRO to join a leading Private Equity firm in Dubai. This senior role offers the opportunity to take full ownership of regulatory compliance, financial crime risk, and the overall governance framework within the organization. You will be responsible for shaping and implementing compliance strategies, overseeing regulatory affairs, and acting as MLRO. The role requires a seasoned professional who has a great reputation with the DFSA, as well as a comprehensive understanding of compliance regulations, the ability to lead a team, and a proven track record in managing complex regulatory and financial crime risk issues.
Key Responsibilities:
Regulatory Compliance:
- Develop, implement, and maintain a robust compliance framework.
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies.
- Ensure the firm’s policies and procedures are up to date with the latest regulatory developments and best practices for private equity and alternative investments.
- Provide compliance training to employees and senior management, fostering a culture of compliance within investment teams.
- Oversee regulatory reporting requirements, including fund compliance, investor due diligence, and transactional oversight, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
Financial Crime Compliance (MLRO Responsibilities):
- Authorised individual with DFSA (currently or prior registration)
- Develop and maintain an effective AML and CTF framework tailored to private equity fund structures and alternative investments.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify financial crime risks related to fund investments, portfolio companies, and investor onboarding, implementing appropriate controls.
- Ensure the firm meets its obligations regarding Suspicious Activity Reporting (SARs) and liaise with regulatory authorities and financial intelligence units as necessary.
- Oversee the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes for fund investors, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and investor protection regulations.
- Lead investigations into potential financial crime issues, including fund transfers, cross-border investments, and secondary market transactions, ensuring appropriate remedial actions are taken.
Governance & Risk Management:
- Serve as the Compliance Officer for the firm, ensuring a strong risk management culture within the private equity and alternative investments framework.
- Provide compliance-related insights and recommendations to senior leadership, investment committees, and the Board.
- Develop and maintain compliance risk assessments specific to fund structures, investor jurisdictions, and alternative investment strategies, ensuring appropriate risk mitigation strategies are in place.
- Support new fund launches and investment strategies, ensuring regulatory risks are identified and managed effectively.
The Ideal Candidate:
- A minimum 8 years’ experience in compliance, with a focus on financial crime risk and regulatory compliance.
- Exceptional understanding of DFSA.
- Currently or previously a authorised individual with the DFSA.
- In-depth regulatory knowledge with the ability to interpret and implement complex regulatory requirements into business solutions.
- Experience within Private Equity or Alternative Investment space.
- A proactive and hands on approach, with the capability to roll up your sleeves and engage with the team to solve compliance challenges.
- A relevant compliance certification (ICA, ACAMS, etc.) is highly regarded.
- Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in Arabic would be an advantage.
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience.
Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.