Team Lead – Compliance Monitoring, Assurance & Testing

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

📋 Description

• Take ownership and manage a risk-based annual Compliance Monitoring & Assurance Plan (CMAP).

• Develop and implement control testing across AML/CFT, sanctions, market abuse, client asset protection, complaint resolution, outsourcing, and technology/cyber governance.

• Utilize a full-cycle assurance methodology from initial scoping to closure validation.

• Produce thematic deep-dives that align with FSRA supervisory priorities.

• Ensure that monitoring activities are aligned with FSRA obligations related to AML/CFT, COBS, GEN, PRU, and the Virtual Asset framework.

• Provide support to the Compliance Officer and MLRO within FSRA's risk-based supervision framework.

• Maintain comprehensive evidence trails for FSRA information requests, inspections, and thematic reviews.

• Keep track of regulatory changes and update the monitoring plan accordingly.

• Generate board-ready assurance reports that include quantified findings, severity ratings, and management action plans.

• Implement issue-management and remediation-tracking frameworks.

• Present monitoring results to Risk Committees, Compliance Committees, and the Board/Audit Committee as necessary.

• Collaborate with Internal Audit and external auditors.

• Conduct testing for CDD/EDD, KYC onboarding, periodic reviews, PEP/sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and SAR/STR escalation.

• Evaluate the identification and reporting of suspicious activities, including the quality of FIU-UAE submissions.

• Verify compliance with Targeted Financial Sanctions and asset-freeze controls.

• Build, mentor, and lead the assurance team.

• Establish testing standards, perform quality reviews, and coach team members.

• Oversee resource allocation and ensure delivery meets agreed SLAs.

• Maintain CMAT policies, methodologies, and documentation to meet auditable standards.

• Promote automation and data analytics initiatives.

• Integrate lessons learned into first- and second-line processes and training programs.

⛳️ Requirements

• 7–10+ years of experience in compliance, assurance, internal audit, or regulatory supervision within financial services or fintech, preferably in crypto/VASP environments.

• At least 3 years of experience leading teams or workstreams in a second-line or audit function.

• Strong understanding of ADGM FSRA rulebooks and the UAE AML/CFT landscape; experience with comparable regulatory bodies such as MAS, HKMA, FCA, or DIFC/DFSA will be considered.

• Proven success in designing and implementing risk-based compliance monitoring/testing programs.

• In-depth knowledge of AML/CFT, sanctions, and financial-crime control testing.

• Exceptional written and verbal English skills; strong report-writing and stakeholder presentation abilities.

• Certifications such as CAMS, CGSS, CRMA, CIA, ACCA/ACA, ICA, or equivalent are desirable.

• Previous experience in a regulated crypto/VASP or high-growth fintech environment is preferred.

• Skills in data analytics, SQL, or audit automation tools are advantageous.

• Proficiency in Arabic is beneficial but not required.

🏝️ Benefits

• No benefits, perks, or compensation extras are specified in the posting.