Senior Compliance Manager

J. Awan & Partners

Job Title: Senior Compliance Manager
Reports to: TBC
Role: Full time
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Company
Our client is an innovative fintech company, regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). They believe in financial inclusion, committed to provide transparent and simple solutions for all.
Job Purpose
The Senior Compliance Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Firm adheres to local and international regulations, legal requirements, and industry standards. You will also provide ongoing support on all compliance and anti-money laundering matters to help meet the Firm s regulatory obligations. The ideal candidate must have prior authorisation by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and possess a strong background in Islamic finance and Shariah compliance. You will contribute to the Firm s success by supporting the Senior Management Team in regulatory compliance execution.
Duties and responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance:

• Act as the primary point of contact with ADGM regulatory bodies (FSRA) and other relevant authorities.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes, ensuring ongoing compliance with ADGM rules and FSRA regulations.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update internal compliance manuals, policies, procedures, and controls in line with regulatory standards.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments to proactively identify compliance gaps and vulnerabilities.
• Provide accurate and timely compliance reporting to senior management and the FSRA.

Shariah Compliance:

• Work closely with the Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) to ensure all products, services, contracts, and operations adhere to Shariah law.
• Review and approve internal policies, manuals, and agreements from a Shariah perspective as required
• Provide compliance opinions and certification of Shariah-compliant structures and processes.

Risk Assessment & Management:
Conduct compliance risk assessments to identify potential regulatory risks in investment banking operations.
Implement measures to mitigate risks and ensure the firm operates within legal boundaries.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF)
Ensure the firm follows AML and CTF regulations as per FSRA s AML/CTF Guidelines.
Oversee the Know Your Business (KYB), Know your Customer (KYC) and Know your Transaction (KYT) as well as Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes.
Maintain thorough records of AML/CTF checks, compliance investigations, and SAR filings as per regulatory requirements.
Ethics & Corporate Governance
Oversee adherence to corporate governance frameworks set by the FSRA and other regulatory bodies.
Ensure compliance with board governance structures, shareholder protection rights, and disclosure requirements.
Address any ethical concerns and ensure all employees follow the firm s Code of Conduct.
Internal Compliance Monitoring & Audits
Develop and implement an internal compliance monitoring program to regularly assess adherence to FSRA regulations and internal policies.
Conduct internal compliance audits and work with external auditors to ensure the firm s regulatory compliance.
Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of compliance activities, policies, assessments, and reporting to always ensure audit-readiness.
• Prepare accurate and timely regulatory filings and reports to FSRA and other competent authorities.

Training & Culture:

• Promote a compliance-first culture through regular training and awareness initiatives, with specific modules on Shariah compliance.
• Provide compliance guidance to senior leadership and business stakeholders.

Skills and Experience
Experience (essential to any successful application)
Direct experience in dealing with regulatory authorities such as the FSRA. Prior authorisation with the FSRA essential.
Minimum of 8 years experience of direct compliance and Anti-money laundering experience within the financial services industry.
Solid understanding of Shariah Compliance and Islamic Finance.
Direct experience in creating and implementing regulatory compliance policies, programs within a financial services organization.
Proven track record of compliance with program requirements, including testing and risk assessment protocols.
Qualifications
Minimum bachelor s degree from a leading university with a concentration preferably in law, finance, accounting, economics, or business.
Candidates with CAMS, CISI or ICA certifications are highly desired.
Skills
Strong oral and written communication skills, including effectively interacting at all levels within the firm and regulators.
Motivated self-starter with demonstrable ability to work independently and problem solve.
Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate with team members and regulators.
Demonstrable organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable.
Passionate about investing and our impact.