Compliance Officer & MLRO

Our client is an ADGM-regulated financial services firm operating within the broker-dealer and investment sector. The firm is committed to maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance, governance and financial-crime risk management while supporting the continued development of its business in the UAE.

As part of its continued growth, the firm is seeking an experienced Compliance Officer / Money Laundering Reporting Officer (CO/MLRO) to join its team in Abu Dhabi.

The Compliance Officer / MLRO will be responsible for leading and overseeing the firm's regulatory compliance and AML/CFT framework in accordance with applicable ADGM and FSRA requirements.

Acting as the firm's designated Compliance Officer and MLRO, subject to FSRA approval, the successful candidate will work closely with senior management and business functions to ensure regulatory obligations are effectively embedded across the organisation.

This is a senior, hands-on position requiring strong technical regulatory knowledge, sound judgement and commercial awareness. The successful candidate will be expected to provide practical, solution-oriented regulatory guidance while maintaining appropriate independence and effective engagement with the FSRA.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the firm's Compliance and AML/CFT functions in accordance with applicable ADGM and FSRA rules and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the firm's designated Compliance Officer and MLRO, subject to FSRA approval and applicable fit-and-proper requirements.
• Maintain, review and enhance compliance and AML policies, procedures, risk assessments, frameworks and internal controls.
• Develop, implement and execute the annual Compliance Monitoring Programme, ensuring identified issues are appropriately documented, escalated and remediated.
• Oversee the client onboarding framework, including KYC, CDD/EDD, sanctions screening, PEP identification and ongoing monitoring.
• Oversee transaction-monitoring processes and the identification, investigation and reporting of suspicious activity in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Provide practical regulatory advice to senior management and business functions regarding existing activities, new products, business initiatives and regulatory developments.
• Oversee compliance with applicable conduct-of-business requirements, including client classification, appropriateness and suitability, financial promotions, conflicts of interest and client communications.
• Manage regulatory reporting, notifications, submissions and correspondence with the FSRA.
• Act as a key point of contact for the FSRA and maintain an effective and professional relationship with the regulator.
• Coordinate and manage regulatory inspections, thematic reviews, information requests and other regulatory engagements.
• Oversee the remediation of regulatory findings and ensure agreed actions are completed within appropriate timelines.
• Monitor changes to the ADGM/FSRA regulatory framework and assess their impact on the firm's activities, policies and controls.
• Prepare regular Compliance and MLRO reports for senior management, relevant committees and the Board.
• Deliver compliance and AML/CFT training and support the development of a strong compliance culture across the organisation.
• Provide independent challenge to the business and escalate material regulatory or financial-crime risks where appropriate.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years of directly relevant compliance experience within an ADGM/FSRA or DIFC/DFSA-regulated financial services firm.
• Strong preference for experience within a broker-dealer, investment firm, CFD/FX broker, securities, derivatives or comparable regulated investment business.
• Strong practical knowledge of the FSRA and/or DFSA regulatory framework, including Compliance, Conduct of Business and AML requirements.
• Demonstrable experience dealing directly with the FSRA and/or DFSA, including regulatory submissions, notifications, enquiries, inspections or regulatory reviews.
• Previous experience as a Compliance Officer, MLRO, Deputy MLRO, Head of Compliance or in a comparable senior compliance position is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of AML/CFT requirements, sanctions, CDD/EDD, PEP controls, transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting.
• Practical understanding of conduct-of-business requirements applicable to investment and broker-dealer activities.
• Experience developing and executing Compliance Monitoring Programmes and managing regulatory remediation activities.
• Relevant university degree.
• Professional compliance and/or AML qualification such as ICA or ACAMS is required.
• Ability to satisfy the FSRA's fit-and-proper requirements for the Compliance Officer and MLRO functions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with regulators, senior management and business stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyse complex regulatory matters, challenge assumptions and reach well-reasoned conclusions.
• Solution-Oriented Approach: Ability to develop practical and compliant solutions while supporting legitimate business objectives.
• Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of the commercial realities and regulatory risks associated with a broker-dealer or investment business.
• Independence & Integrity: Confidence to provide independent challenge, escalate concerns and maintain appropriate regulatory standards.
• Sound Judgement: Ability to assess regulatory and financial-crime risks and determine proportionate responses.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to communicate effectively with regulators, senior management, the Board and business functions.
• Ownership: Ability to operate independently, manage multiple regulatory priorities and take responsibility for issues through to resolution.

Important: Candidates must have substantive, hands-on experience within an ADGM/FSRA or DIFC/DFSA-regulated financial services firm. General UAE or international compliance experience without direct experience in either regulatory jurisdiction will not meet the requirements of this position.