AML Compliance Manager

We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Head of Compliance and AML to lead our regulatory and AML function. As a senior leader, you'll be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing our compliance framework to ensure strict adherence to all regulations from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and other relevant authorities. This role is critical to protecting our company from legal, reputational, and financial risks while enabling innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Leadership: * Develop and execute the overall compliance and AML strategy in line with the company's business objectives and SAMA's regulatory requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team of compliance professionals, fostering a strong culture of compliance, integrity, and ethical conduct throughout the organization.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for SAMA and other regulatory bodies on all compliance and AML-related matters.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Oversee the continuous monitoring of SAMA regulations, directives, circulars, and other legal requirements, ensuring the company's policies and procedures are promptly updated to reflect any changes.
• Manage all regulatory reporting, including suspicious transaction reports (STRs), and ensure timely and accurate submissions to the relevant authorities.
• Provide expert advice to senior management and all business units on compliance matters, including the launch of new products or services.
• Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential regulatory risks.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Combating Terrorist Financing (CTF):

• Design, implement, and maintain a robust, risk-based AML/CTF program in accordance with SAMA's framework and international best practices.
• Oversee Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes, ensuring they are effective and aligned with regulatory standards.
• Lead the implementation and optimization of a transaction monitoring system to detect and report suspicious activities.
• Conduct internal investigations of suspicious activities and maintain comprehensive records and audit trails.

Policy & Training:

• Draft and maintain comprehensive compliance and AML policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Develop and deliver mandatory compliance and AML training programs for all employees, ensuring a high level of awareness and understanding of regulatory obligations.
• Collaborate with the Internal Audit function to conduct periodic reviews and address any findings.
• General Duties:
• Prepare and present regular compliance reports to the Board of Directors and senior management, highlighting key risks, issues, and performance metrics.
• Foster strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, including Legal, Risk, Operations, and Technology teams.
• Ensure compliance with other relevant laws and regulations in Saudi Arabia, such as those related to data protection (PDPL), cybersecurity, and corporate governance.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 2-5 years of progressive experience in compliance and AML roles within the financial services sector in Saudi Arabia.
• Experience working with a fintech or a financial institution regulated by SAMA is a must.
• Certifications: Relevant professional certification are preferred but not a must.

Skills:

• Deep and current knowledge of SAMA's regulatory framework, including the Payment Services Provider (PSP) regulations and the SAMA Cybersecurity Framework.
• Strong understanding of AML/CTF laws, principles, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in both English and Arabic is required.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.