Head of Compliance

J. Awan & Partners

Job Purpose

The Head of Compliance will be responsible for ensuring that the organization adheres to and operates within its specific license requirements under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), as well as the ongoing regulatory compliance obligations of local regulatory bodies. You will be accountable for initiating and overseeing compliance processes, policies, and procedures, while working closely with senior management to maintain a strong culture of compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance Framework

• Develop, maintain, and enhance the Bank s compliance framework to ensure alignment with FSRA regulations, ADGM requirements, and leading market practices.
• Oversee timely and accurate regulatory, board, and senior management reporting.

Advisory Role

• Provide senior management and staff with clear, practical guidance on the application of compliance laws, regulations, and standards.
• Keep management informed of relevant regulatory developments and industry trends.
• Collaborate with the Legal function, where necessary, to ensure consistent interpretation and application of regulatory requirements.
• Advise on the adequacy of risk management processes, including risk identification, mitigation, and control programs, to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and industry standards.

Training and Awareness

• Support senior management in fostering a culture of compliance across the Bank.
• Design and deliver training programs and awareness sessions for employees on compliance and risk-related matters.
• Serve as the central point of contact for staff queries relating to compliance and risk issues.

Risk and Compliance Assessment

• Proactively identify, document, and assess compliance, regulatory, and corporate business risks associated with the Bank s operations.
• Conduct periodic reviews to ensure effective risk mitigation and control measures are in place.

Monitoring and Oversight

• Establish, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Compliance and Risk Monitoring Program to detect and prevent breaches of laws, regulations, or internal policies.
• Report key findings to senior management and recommend appropriate remediation actions.

Regulatory and Industry Engagement

• Act as the Bank s principal liaison with the FSRA and other relevant regulatory or industry bodies.
• Maintain constructive relationships with regulatory officials, peer compliance officers, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure the Bank s responses to regulatory inquiries, inspections, and reporting obligations are timely and accurate.

Financial Crime Compliance (AML/CFT)

• Oversee the Bank s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) framework.
• Conduct an annual risk assessment on all clients and ad-hoc reviews when required.
• Conduct client risk assessments as part of due diligence process.
• Ensure effective AML transaction monitoring systems and processes are in place.
• Escalate and report suspicious activity in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.