Chief Compliance Officer

Title: Chief Compliance Officer Location: Dubai About the Client Our client is an innovative digital financial services organisation committed to expanding financial inclusion through accessible, technology-driven banking solutions. As the business continues to grow, they are seeking a Chief Compliance Officer to lead the compliance function, strengthen governance frameworks, and ensure the organisation continues to operate in line with regulatory expectations and industry best practice. Key Responsibilities • Lead the overall compliance framework, ensuring effective governance, regulatory compliance, and ethical business practices across the organisation. • Provide strategic compliance advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Board, supporting business growth while maintaining an appropriate risk and control environment. • Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of compliance policies, procedures, and monitoring frameworks, including financial crime compliance and regulatory obligations. • Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, managing regulatory engagements, inspections, and the implementation of regulatory change initiatives. • Identify emerging compliance and conduct risks, recommending practical mitigation strategies that support innovation while protecting the business. • Lead, develop, and mentor the compliance function, promoting a strong culture of integrity, accountability, and regulatory awareness across the organisation. • Partner with senior stakeholders across the business to provide clear regulatory guidance, challenge decision-making where appropriate, and support effective governance. Key Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related discipline. Professional compliance qualifications would be highly advantageous. • 13+ years' experience within Compliance, Financial Crime Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, or Risk Management, with significant experience in financial services or digital banking. • Proven experience leading compliance and governance functions, with strong knowledge of AML, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, conduct risk, and broader regulatory requirements. • Demonstrated experience engaging with financial regulators, managing regulatory inspections, and implementing regulatory change programmes. • Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executive management, Boards, and cross-functional teams. • Commercially minded with the ability to balance regulatory expectations with business objectives in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct. Show more Show less

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related discipline. Professional compliance qualifications would be highly advantageous. 13+ years' experience within Compliance, Financial Crime Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, or Risk Management, with significant experience in financial services or digital banking. Proven experience leading compliance and governance functions, with strong knowledge of AML, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, conduct risk, and broader regulatory requirements. Demonstrated experience engaging with financial regulators, managing regulatory inspections, and implementing regulatory change programmes. Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executive management, Boards, and cross-functional teams. Commercially minded with the ability to balance regulatory expectations with business objectives in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct.

Lead the overall compliance framework, ensuring effective governance, regulatory compliance, and ethical business practices across the organisation. Provide strategic compliance advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Board, supporting business growth while maintaining an appropriate risk and control environment. Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of compliance policies, procedures, and monitoring frameworks, including financial crime compliance and regulatory obligations. Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, managing regulatory engagements, inspections, and the implementation of regulatory change initiatives. Identify emerging compliance and conduct risks, recommending practical mitigation strategies that support innovation while protecting the business. Lead, develop, and mentor the compliance function, promoting a strong culture of integrity, accountability, and regulatory awareness across the organisation. Partner with senior stakeholders across the business to provide clear regulatory guidance, challenge decision-making where appropriate, and support effective governance.