Chief Compliance Officer

Title: Chief Compliance OfficerLocation: Dubai

About the ClientOur client is an innovative digital financial services organisation. As the business continues to grow and expand its offering, including Embedded Finance, they are seeking a Chief Compliance Officer to lead the compliance function, strengthen regulatory governance and support the responsible growth of the business. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced compliance professional with a strong background in banking or financial services, who can combine regulatory credibility and independent oversight with a pragmatic, commercially minded approach.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead the organisation's Regulatory Compliance and Conduct framework, ensuring effective governance, adherence to applicable regulatory requirements and high standards of business conduct.Provide strategic compliance advice and independent challenge to the CEO, Board and senior management, supporting business growth while maintaining an appropriate risk and control environment.Build and maintain strong relationships with financial services regulators, particularly the CBUAE, leading regulatory engagement, inspections and regulatory change initiatives.Embed Compliance by Design across Product, Technology and commercial decision-making, ensuring regulatory considerations are integrated into new products, partnerships and business initiatives from inception.Oversee the development and continuous enhancement of compliance policies, procedures and governance frameworks across the organisation and its regulated entities.Provide oversight and challenge across conduct risk, consumer protection and broader regulatory compliance matters, supporting fair customer outcomes and responsible business practices.Work closely with the responsible MLRO and relevant stakeholders to support effective financial crime risk management, including AML/CFT, sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption.Identify emerging regulatory and compliance risks, advising on practical mitigation strategies and supporting business expansion, innovation and new propositions, including Embedded Finance.Lead, develop and mentor the compliance function, embedding a strong culture of integrity, accountability and regulatory awareness across the organisation.

Key RequirementsBachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business or a related discipline. Relevant professional compliance qualifications would be advantageous.13+ years' experience within Compliance, with significant experience in senior Regulatory Compliance leadership roles in traditional banking or established financial services institutions.Strong understanding of the UAE regulatory environment, with demonstrable credibility and experience engaging with the CBUAE and other relevant financial services regulators.Proven experience leading broad Regulatory Compliance and governance frameworks, with strong knowledge of conduct risk, consumer protection and wider regulatory obligations.Experience advising and influencing Boards, executive management and senior business stakeholders, with the judgement and independence to challenge decisions where required.Demonstrated ability to embed compliance into business strategy, product development and commercial decision-making, balancing regulatory expectations with business objectives.Experience in digital banking, payments, fintech or supporting new products, business models or business expansion within a regulated environment would be advantageous.Strong understanding of financial crime risk management, including AML/CFT, sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption, with the ability to provide appropriate oversight alongside the responsible MLRO.Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.