Head of Compliance / MLRO — CMA Category 5
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UAE CMA Regulated Role — Key Person Requirements Apply
This is a regulated Key Person position under the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) Category 5 framework. Candidates must be UAE resident, pass CMA fit and proper assessment, and hold or obtain required CMA regulatory qualifications. Effective 1 January 2026, the CMA replaced the SCA under Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and 33 of 2025.
About the Role
HRFinEase is recruiting a Head of Compliance and MLRO for a UAE CMA Category 5 licensed entity in Dubai. Mandatory Key Person role. UAE residency required. Minimum 3 years AML/CFT compliance experience in a UAE-regulated financial institution. CMA examination required.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of experience in AML/CFT compliance, audit, or risk management within a UAE-regulated financial institution — mandatory per CMA/CBUAE requirements
- Must hold or be eligible to obtain CMA regulatory qualification and pass the required Key Person examinations
- UAE resident — mandatory. The Compliance Officer and MLRO must be a UAE resident and full-time employee of the licensed entity
- Strong knowledge of UAE AML/CFT Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and its amendments), CBUAE compliance framework, and FATF recommendations
- Experience implementing AML/CFT policies, KYC/CDD frameworks, transaction monitoring, and Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR)
- Familiarity with CMA Category 5 regulatory obligations and the SCA Rulebook during the 2026 transition period
- Experience preparing bi-annual compliance reports and managing regulatory inspections
- Fit and proper — must pass CMA's fit and proper assessment with no adverse regulatory or criminal history
- ICA Diploma in Compliance, CAMS certification, or equivalent AML/CFT qualification preferred
- Excellent English — Arabic is a strong advantage
Responsibilities
- Act as the designated Head of Compliance and MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) for the CMA Category 5 licensed entity — approved and registered with the CMA as a Key Person
- Develop, implement, and maintain the company's AML/CFT policies, procedures, and internal controls in line with UAE law and CMA requirements
- Conduct client due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and ongoing monitoring of client activity
- File Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) where required
- Prepare and submit bi-annual compliance reports and all required regulatory filings to the CMA
- Manage regulatory audits, CMA inspections, and correspondence relating to compliance matters
- Conduct regular gap analysis between the company's existing AML/CFT procedures and current UAE laws, CMA regulations, and FATF standards
- Develop and deliver AML/CFT training to all staff on an ongoing basis
- Maintain and update the company's compliance risk assessment annually
- Report directly to the Board of Directors on all compliance and AML/CFT matters
- Ensure all marketing, promotional, and client introduction activities comply with CMA Category 5 conduct requirements