Lead and oversee regulatory, risk, compliance, and financial crime engagements for financial institutions across the UAE and wider GCC region. Direct risk-based reviews, identifying control deficiencies, compliance gaps, governance weaknesses, and operational risk exposures. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, including Boards, Executive Management, Compliance Officers, Risk Leaders, and Internal Audit functions. Manage and strengthen key client relationships, ensuring high-quality delivery and long-term partnership growth. Review and approve reports and presentations prepared for clients, regulators, and executive committees. Provide strategic advice on regulatory developments, regulatory remediation programs, and compliance transformation initiatives. Lead engagement teams, providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management to junior colleagues. Oversee data analysis, risk assessments, and the development of meaningful insights to support decision-making. Drive business development activities, including proposal development, client presentations, thought leadership, networking, and market outreach. Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and develop new service offerings within the regulatory advisory practice.
Skilled Person Reviews Risk and Compliance Health Checks Regulatory Remediation Programs Regulatory Assurance Reviews Regulatory Readiness Assessments Enterprise Risk Management Reviews Operational Risk Framework Development Controls Testing and Assurance AML / Financial Crime Compliance Reviews Regulatory Reporting Reviews Consumer Protection and Conduct Risk Reviews Governance Reviews Regulatory Gap Assessments Internal Audit and Second-Line Risk & Compliance Reviews
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Law, Economics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of relevant experience within a regulator, financial institution, consulting firm, or professional services organization. Demonstrated experience leading regulatory, compliance, risk management, or financial crime advisory engagements. Strong knowledge of banking and financial services regulations and industry practices. Significant exposure to UAE-regulated financial institutions and UAE regulatory frameworks. Experience working within a Big 4, Big 6, or leading advisory firm is highly desirable. Proven ability to manage senior client stakeholders and lead complex engagements. Strong business development track record, including proposal writing, client acquisition, and revenue generation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; Arabic is advantageous. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams. Prior experience in one or more of the following areas: Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Financial Crime Enterprise Risk Management Operational Risk Regulatory Compliance Internal Audit and Controls Assurance Regulatory Change and Transformation Programs
International Compliance Association (ICA) Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) ACAMS CFA, FRM, CIA, CPA, or equivalent professional qualifications
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