Head of R&IC (Regulation and Internal Control) Middle East
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
BBVA is seeking a Head of R&IC (Regulation and Internal Control) for its ADGM Branch in Abu Dhabi, covering Compliance, MLRO, and Non-Financial Risk functions.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Serve as main point of contact for FSRA on all compliance matters, thematic reviews, and RFIs
- Advise senior management and business lines on regulatory developments, permissible activities, and new product launches
- Assess, maintain, and update Compliance Manual and internal policies to align with ADGM/FSRA rulebooks
- Coordinate compliance risk assessments, monitoring, and testing activities; generate quarterly reports for Board and Senior Management
- Maintain continuous monitoring of regulatory amendments and evaluate impact on Branch operations
- Provide annual compliance training to local staff
- Coordinate data protection matters including advising staff, responding to assessment requests, and handling authority requests
- Oversee day to day implementation of AML/CFT framework and sanctions screening
- Act as focal point for UAE Financial Intelligence Unit; receive and investigate SARs, file external SARs when appropriate
- Advise on and approve onboarding of high risk clients (EDD/KYC) and oversee Customer Due Diligence processes
- Receive and act upon findings from local or international regulatory bodies
- Ensure level of non financial risks aligned with Group strategy and facilitate CIB business development
Requirements
- Must be a resident of the UAE (mandatory for MLRO function under FSRA rules)
- Must be eligible to obtain Approved Person status from FSRA (Fit & Proper criteria)
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Economics, Business, or Engineering; Master's degree highly valued
- At least 10 years of experience in internal control, non financial risk, audit, compliance, or Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB)
- Proven experience liaising with regulators (FSRA/DFSA preferred), internal auditors, and external auditors
- Experience holding a Head of Compliance or MLRO title in a regulated financial institution
- Strong understanding of ADGM/DIFC regulations, UAE Federal AML Laws, and international standards
- Deep understanding of CIB products, activities, and operations
- Strong interpersonal skills for 360º management, proactivity, and focus on execution
- English C1/Native level required
- Arabic Native/Fluent highly desirable for dealings with local authorities
- Spanish valuable for communication with Group HQ
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
- We are looking for a Head of R&IC (Regulation and Internal Control) to cover Compliance, MLRO, and NFR functions.
- You will serve as primary liaison with FSRA and FIU, ensure ADGM rules adherence, and lead the NFR unit.
Key Responsibilities Regulatory Compliance & Governance
- Serve as main point of contact for FSRA on compliance matters, thematic reviews, and RFIs.
- Advise senior management and business lines on regulatory developments and new product launches.
- Assess, maintain, and update Compliance Manual and internal policies to align with ADGM/FSRA rulebooks.
- Coordinate compliance risk assessments, monitoring, and testing; generate quarterly reports.
- Maintain continuous monitoring of regulatory amendments and evaluate impact on Branch operations.
- Provide annual compliance training to local staff.
- Coordinate data protection matters including advising staff and handling authority requests.
Key Responsibilities AML & Financial Crime (MLRO)
- Oversee day to day implementation of AML/CFT framework and sanctions screening.
- Act as focal point for UAE FIU; receive and investigate SARs, file external SARs when appropriate.
- Advise on and approve onboarding of high risk clients (EDD/KYC) and oversee CDD processes.
- Receive and act upon findings from local or international regulatory bodies.
Key Responsibilities Non Financial Risk Management (NFR Head)
- Ensure level of non financial risks aligned with Group strategy and facilitate CIB business development.
- Monitor RCSA, define risk appetite, and monitor indicators under Risk Control Specialist approach.
- Manage registry, analysis, and reporting of operational losses, events, and near misses.
- Coordinate with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Lines of Defense to ensure robust process ownership.
- Act as full member at NFR Committees and admission procedures within CIB.
Requirements & Qualifications Mandatory Regulatory Requirements
- Must be a resident of the UAE (mandatory for MLRO function under FSRA rules).
- Must be eligible to obtain Approved Person status from FSRA (Fit & Proper criteria).
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Economics, Business, or Engineering; Master's degree highly valued.
- At least 10 years of experience in internal control, non financial risk, audit, compliance, or CIB.
- Proven experience liaising with regulators (FSRA/DFSA preferred), internal auditors, and external auditors.
- Experience holding a Head of Compliance or MLRO title in a regulated financial institution.
Certifications (Highly Desirable)
- AML/Compliance: CAMS (ACAMS), ICA Diploma in GRC/AML, or CISI.
- Risk: Certifications related to financial markets, risk, or control.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of ADGM/DIFC regulations, UAE Federal AML Laws, and international standards.
- Deep understanding of CIB products, activities, and operations.
- Strong interpersonal skills for 360º management, proactivity, and focus on execution.
Languages
- English: C1/Native level required (Mandatory).
- Arabic: Native/Fluent is highly desirable for dealings with local authorities.
- Spanish: Valuable for communication with Group HQ.
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