VP Compliance – Financial Crime & Regulatory (UAE National

Role Overview:

As the VP Compliance - Financial Crime & Regulatory, you will lead compliance operations for a digital-first bank, focusing on both Financial Crime Compliance and Regulatory Compliance. Reporting directly to the CCO, you will ensure the bank’s activities meet stringent regulatory and anti-financial crime obligations within the UAE’s evolving digital banking landscape.

• Corporate Governance: Oversee all compliance functions to ensure alignment with UAE laws and global best practices for digital banking.
• Financial Crime Compliance: Drive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing initiatives, including risk assessments, KYC processes, and ongoing customer due diligence.
• Regulatory Engagement: Interface regularly with UAE regulators to maintain open channels of communication, clarify expectations, and manage audits or inspections.
• Policy Development: Develop, implement, and update compliance frameworks, policies, and controls to reflect regulatory changes and business growth.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Oversee monitoring programs to identify, investigate, and report suspicious activity internally and to relevant authorities.
• Team Leadership: Build, develop, and lead teams to execute compliance programs, fostering coordination and ensuring high standards of ethics and integrity throughout the bank.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal departments and management to embed compliance into business operations and digital products.

Requirements include deep expertise in anti-money laundering (AML) practices, KYC, and broad regulatory compliance within banking or fintech. Familiarity with UAE digital banking regulatory expectations, fluency in English, and strong policy development skills are essential. Arabic proficiency is beneficial.