Director, AML Compliance Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan– based in Dubai, UAE
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Western Union seeks a Director of AML Compliance to lead regional strategy across the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The role involves managing a Dubai-based team, engaging with regulators, and overseeing AML frameworks for digital and wallet-based solutions.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Lead AML compliance across the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan
- Serve as the primary compliance partner to regional and country leadership
- Represent the organization with regulators and external stakeholders
- Oversee and refine AML frameworks to ensure effectiveness and alignment with regulatory requirements
- Manage and develop a Dubai based team
- Guide compliance strategy for digital and wallet based offerings
- Handle complex, high impact issues and escalations
- Work closely with business and functional teams to integrate compliance into market expansion and product initiatives
Requirements
- Proven leadership background in AML compliance within the region
- Significant experience within financial services, payments, regulatory bodies including the Central Bank of the UAE, or legal advisory
- Experience operating in complex, multi jurisdictional organizations
- Track record of leading and developing teams across multiple countries
- Bachelor's degree required; law or other advanced degree preferred
- Fluency in English required; Arabic is a strong advantage
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
- Western Union is seeking a Director, AML Compliance for the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, based in Dubai.
- This is a hybrid role based in Dubai (minimum 3 days in the office).
Role Responsibilities
- Lead AML compliance across the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, with direct accountability for risk exposure.
- Serve as the primary compliance partner to regional and country leadership.
- Represent the organization with regulators and external stakeholders.
- Oversee and refine AML frameworks to ensure they remain effective, scalable, and aligned with regulatory requirements.
- Manage and develop a Dubai based team, expanding capabilities and supporting regionalized operations.
- Guide compliance strategy for digital and wallet based offerings.
- Handle complex, high impact issues and escalations, balancing regulatory and commercial priorities.
- Work closely with business and functional teams to integrate compliance into market expansion, partnerships, and product initiatives.
- Increase the visibility and impact of the AML function across the region.
- Drive a high performance environment focused on accountability, sound judgment, and consistent execution.
Role Requirements
- Proven leadership background in AML compliance within the region.
- Significant experience within financial services, payments, regulatory bodies including the Central Bank of the UAE, or legal advisory.
- Experience operating in complex, multi jurisdictional organizations.
- Track record of leading and developing teams, ideally across multiple countries.
- Familiarity with compliance tools, data driven approaches, and industry best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to manage high risk scenarios and make sound decisions.
- Highly developed analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Credible and impactful leader able to influence senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Bachelor's degree required; law or other advanced degree preferred.
- Fluency in English required; Arabic is a strong advantage.
Benefits
- Short term incentives, multiple health insurance options, accident and life insurance.
- Access to best in class development platforms.
- UAE specific benefits: Group Life policy, Comprehensive Group Medical policy (spouse and children up to age 25), Housing Allowance, Children Education Reimbursement scheme, Club Membership Reimbursement program.
Workplace
- Hybrid work model: minimum 3 days in the office per week.
About Western Union
- Western Union is a financial services company focused on making financial services accessible globally.
- They support employees in achieving professional aspirations with opportunities to learn new skills and build a career.
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