Chief Compliance Officer

Our client is an innovative digital financial services organisation. As the business continues to grow and expand its offering, including Embedded Finance, they are seeking a Chief Compliance Officer to lead the compliance function, strengthen regulatory governance and support the responsible growth of the business. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced compliance professional with a strong background in banking or financial services, who can combine regulatory credibility and independent oversight with a pragmatic, commercially minded approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's Regulatory Compliance and Conduct framework, ensuring effective governance, adherence to applicable regulatory requirements and high standards of business conduct.
• Provide strategic compliance advice and independent challenge to the CEO, Board and senior management, supporting business growth while maintaining an appropriate risk and control environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with financial services regulators, particularly the CBUAE, leading regulatory engagement, inspections and regulatory change initiatives.
• Embed Compliance by Design across Product, Technology and commercial decision-making, ensuring regulatory considerations are integrated into new products, partnerships and business initiatives from inception.
• Oversee the development and continuous enhancement of compliance policies, procedures and governance frameworks across the organisation and its regulated entities.
• Provide oversight and challenge across conduct risk, consumer protection and broader regulatory compliance matters, supporting fair customer outcomes and responsible business practices.
• Work closely with the responsible MLRO and relevant stakeholders to support effective financial crime risk management, including AML/CFT, sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption.
• Identify emerging regulatory and compliance risks, advising on practical mitigation strategies and supporting business expansion, innovation and new propositions, including Embedded Finance.
• Lead, develop and mentor the compliance function, embedding a strong culture of integrity, accountability and regulatory awareness across the organisation.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business or a related discipline. Relevant professional compliance qualifications would be advantageous.
• 13+ years' experience within Compliance, with significant experience in senior Regulatory Compliance leadership roles in traditional banking or established financial services institutions.
• Strong understanding of the UAE regulatory environment, with demonstrable credibility and experience engaging with the CBUAE and other relevant financial services regulators.
• Proven experience leading broad Regulatory Compliance and governance frameworks, with strong knowledge of conduct risk, consumer protection and wider regulatory obligations.
• Experience advising and influencing Boards, executive management and senior business stakeholders, with the judgement and independence to challenge decisions where required.
• Demonstrated ability to embed compliance into business strategy, product development and commercial decision-making, balancing regulatory expectations with business objectives.
• Experience in digital banking, payments, fintech or supporting new products, business models or business expansion within a regulated environment would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of financial crime risk management, including AML/CFT, sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption, with the ability to provide appropriate oversight alongside the responsible MLRO.
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

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