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.