Head of Compliance - Forex
Job Fit Check
Base Career helps you apply smarter for this job.
Key skills for this role
About the Role
A forex brokerage seeks a highly experienced Head of Compliance & MLRO to lead compliance and AML functions, ensuring adherence to UAE SCA regulations and global AML/CFT standards.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Serve as SCA approved Compliance Officer & MLRO with adequate seniority and decision rights to act independently
- Maintain open, timely, and accurate communications with the SCA; disclose information the SCA would reasonably expect to be notified of
- Provide regular written reports to the Board and management on compliance risks, issues, inspections, breaches, remediation status, and training completion
- Own the firm's compliance with UAE AML/CFT legislation and SCA AML Module
- Operate the end to end SAR/STR process: receive internal reports, investigate and document decisions, and file SAR/STRs to the UAE FIU; notify the SCA where required
- Act as primary contact for competent UAE authorities (SCA, FIU/CBUAE, law enforcement) and international bodies' directives
- Oversee customer due diligence, KYC, EDD, screening (sanctions, PEPs, adverse media), and ongoing monitoring; prevent ML/TF/PF risks
- Maintain the AML/CFT Business Risk Assessment (BRA) and customer/product risk assessments, review annually or upon trigger events
- Design and deliver AML/CFT and sanctions training; maintain evidence and effectiveness metrics
- Develop, review, and update compliance and AML/CFT policies, procedures, and standards to reflect regulatory change and industry best practice
- Build and execute a risk based Compliance Monitoring Plan covering onboarding, suitability/appropriateness, market conduct, best execution, client money, financial promotions, and trade surveillance
- Lead regulatory inspections, onsite reviews, thematic requests, and ad hoc inquiries
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years in financial services compliance with forex/CFD/online brokerage exposure; 3 5+ years in a senior/MLRO or head of function role
- Deep knowledge of the SCA Rulebook, UAE AML/CFT laws and guidance, KYC/EDD, sanctions, and market conduct standards
- Certifications: CISI UAE Rules & Regulations and CISI Compliance (required); ACAMS/ICA (preferred)
- Strong analytical judgement, independence, stakeholder management, and clear regulatory writing
- Technology familiarity with screening, trade surveillance, case management, and regulatory reporting systems
- Arabic fluency and professional English (written & spoken)
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
- We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Compliance & MLRO to join our leadership team.
- The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the compliance and AML functions, ensuring adherence to UAE SCA regulations and global AML/CFT standards, managing regulatory relationships, and embedding a culture of compliance, ethics, and governance throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as SCA approved Compliance Officer & MLRO, with adequate seniority and decision rights to act independently.
- Maintain open, timely, and accurate communications with the SCA; disclose information the SCA would reasonably expect to be notified of.
- Provide regular written reports to the Board and management on compliance risks, issues, inspections, breaches, remediation status, and training completion.
- Own the firm's compliance with UAE AML/CFT legislation and SCA AML Module.
- Operate the end to end SAR/STR process: receive internal reports, investigate and document decisions, and file SAR/STRs to the UAE FIU; notify the SCA where required.
- Act as primary contact for competent UAE authorities (SCA, FIU/CBUAE, law enforcement) and international bodies' directives (e.g., UN Security Council).
- Oversee customer due diligence, KYC, EDD, screening (sanctions, PEPs, adverse media), and ongoing monitoring; prevent ML/TF/PF risks (including WMD related financing).
- Maintain the AML/CFT Business Risk Assessment (BRA) and customer/product risk assessments, review annually or upon trigger events.
- Design and deliver AML/CFT and sanctions training; maintain evidence and effectiveness metrics.
- Develop, review, and update compliance and AML/CFT policies, procedures, and standards to reflect regulatory change and industry best practice.
- Ensure clear governance over complaints, conflicts of interest, gifts & entertainment, personal account dealing, financial promotions, whistleblowing, outsourcing, and record keeping.
- Build and execute a risk based Compliance Monitoring Plan covering onboarding, suitability/appropriateness, market conduct, best execution, client money, financial promotions, and trade surveillance for potential market abuse.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in finance, Law, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years in financial services compliance with forex/CFD/online brokerage exposure; 3 5+ years in a senior/MLRO or head of function role.
- Deep knowledge of the SCA Rulebook, UAE AML/CFT laws and guidance, KYC/EDD, sanctions, and market conduct standards.
- Certifications: CISI UAE Rules & Regulations and CISI Compliance (required); ACAMS/ICA (preferred).
- Strong analytical judgement, independence, stakeholder management, and clear regulatory writing.
- Technology familiarity with screening, trade surveillance, case management, and regulatory reporting systems.
- Arabic fluency and professional English (written & spoken).
Apply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
More from this employer
More jobs at Confidential Careers
Chief Investment Officer
Dubai, UAE
A confidential company in Dubai seeks a Chief Investment Officer to lead investment strategy, capital allocation, and portfolio management. The role involves sourcing and executing investment opportunities, leading M&A,
Corporate Travel Coordinator - Business Travel
Dubai, UAE
A confidential company seeks a Corporate Travel Coordinator to manage business travel arrangements for employees and executives. The role involves booking flights, hotels, visas, and ground transportation while ensuring
Marketing Manager
Dubai, UAE
Confidential Careers seeks a Marketing Manager to drive marketing strategy and brand visibility across multiple channels. The role involves developing annual marketing plans, executing integrated campaigns, managing soci
Sales Director
Jeddah, KSA
The Sales Director leads the company's commercial sales strategy across Modern Trade, General Trade, and International Sales channels. This role owns national and export revenue, market share, and profitability targets,
Event Planner
Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
A confidential company seeks a Protocol & Events Planner to coordinate official events, VIP visits, and protocol engagements. The role involves end-to-end event planning, stakeholder coordination, and logistics managemen
Director of Sales – Corporate & Partnerships
Dubai, UAE
A leading luxury hotel in Dubai seeks an experienced Cluster Director of Sales to drive corporate and partnership sales across a portfolio of properties. The role involves developing sales strategy, leading a team, and a
Administrative Assistant
Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
Confidential Careers is seeking an Administrative Assistant to provide effective administrative and procurement support in Abu Dhabi. The role involves coordinating daily office activities, maintaining records, and suppo
Sales Team Lead - Foodservice
Abu Dhabi, UAE
A confidential company is seeking a Sales Team Lead for Foodservice in Abu Dhabi to lead and develop a sales team, achieve targets, and expand market share within the Horeca channel. Requires 4-6 years of foodservice exp
Chief Investment Officer
Dubai, UAE
Corporate Travel Coordinator - Business Travel
Dubai, UAE
Marketing Manager
Dubai, UAE
Sales Director
Jeddah, KSA
Event Planner
Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
Director of Sales – Corporate & Partnerships
Dubai, UAE
Administrative Assistant
Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
Sales Team Lead - Foodservice
Abu Dhabi, UAE