Compliance Officer & MLRO (DFSA)

Our client, a high-growth fintech operating out of the DIFC, is looking for a seasoned Compliance Officer & MLRO to join their leadership team. This is a DFSA Authorised Individual role, and the ideal hire will take full ownership of the firm’s Compliance and AML/CFT frameworks while supporting the business through its next phase of growth.

This opportunity is meant for someone who has built and run compliance structures inside DFSA-regulated entities — not someone who has only advised from the outside. If you’ve been the go-to person for regulatory engagement, board reporting, AML governance, and day-to-day controls within a licensed firm, we’d love to introduce you.

What You’ll Lead

1. Compliance Oversight

• Build, enhance, and operationalise a DFSA-aligned compliance framework.
• Draft, maintain, and enforce internal policies across DIFC and broader UAE regulations.
• Stay ahead of regulatory updates and interpret their impact on business activities.
• Prepare and submit DFSA reports, notifications, and returns with accuracy and speed.
• Advise senior leadership and the Board, ensuring compliance is embedded in strategic decisions.

2. AML / CTF Governance (MLRO Responsibilities)

• Oversee and maintain all AML/CFT systems, controls, and daily processes.
• Act as the key point of contact for the DFSA and FIU for AML-related matters.
• Review suspicious activity reports, decide escalation paths, and file SARs where necessary.
• Respond to regulator and law-enforcement requests.
• Ensure AML policies are in line with the DFSA AML Rulebook and global best practices.
• Continuously assess ML/TF and sanctions risks to strengthen internal controls.

3. Monitoring & Internal Controls

• Manage the compliance monitoring plan: periodic reviews, testing, and reporting.
• Document and resolve incidents or breaches with clear root-cause analysis.
• Conduct internal audits or thematic reviews, sharing findings and remediation progress.
• Maintain all compliance records for inspection readiness.

4. Training & Culture

• Design and deliver ongoing compliance and AML training for all employees.
• Drive a culture of accountability and regulatory awareness across teams.
• Ensure compliance with CPD, competency requirements, and record-keeping.
• Champion a “shared responsibility” approach to compliance — not a checkbox function.

5. Cross-Functional Risk Partnership

• Partner with legal, product, ops, and finance teams on risk assessments.
• Support new product launches and market entries with early regulatory guidance.
• Work closely with Risk & Finance to align prudential, operational, and compliance controls.

Requirements:
• UAE-based and eligible for DFSA Authorised Individual approval.
• Proven experience as a Compliance Officer/MLRO within a DFSA-regulated firm.
• 10+ years in compliance, AML/CFT, or regulatory roles in financial services.
• Minimum 3 years in a DFSA-regulated firm in an in-house capacity (not consultancy).
• Hands-on track record managing DFSA frameworks, inspections, supervision, and remediation.
• Strong knowledge of the DFSA Rulebook, UAE Federal AML laws, and global AML/CTF frameworks (FATF, Wolfsberg).
• Experience building or scaling compliance/AML programs from scratch.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder-management capability.

Preferred

• Experience in fintech, payments, or startup environments.
• Direct involvement in DFSA inspections or thematic reviews.
• Certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent.
• Ability to operate autonomously, exercise sound judgment, and own DFSA-mandated functions.