Compliance Officer & MLRO (DFSA)

Our client, a high-growth fintech operating out of the DIFC, is looking for a seasoned Compliance Officer & MLRO to join their leadership team. This is a DFSA Authorised Individual role, and the ideal hire will take full ownership of the firm’s Compliance and AML/CFT frameworks while supporting the business through its next phase of growth.This opportunity is meant for someone who has built and run compliance structures inside DFSA-regulated entities — not someone who has only advised from the outside. If you’ve been the go-to person for regulatory engagement, board reporting, AML governance, and day-to-day controls within a licensed firm, we’d love to introduce you.What You’ll LeadCompliance OversightBuild, enhance, and operationalise a DFSA-aligned compliance framework.Draft, maintain, and enforce internal policies across DIFC and broader UAE regulations.Stay ahead of regulatory updates and interpret their impact on business activities.Prepare and submit DFSA reports, notifications, and returns with accuracy and speed.Advise senior leadership and the Board, ensuring compliance is embedded in strategic decisions.AML / CTF Governance (MLRO Responsibilities)Oversee and maintain all AML/CFT systems, controls, and daily processes.Act as the key point of contact for the DFSA and FIU for AML-related matters.Review suspicious activity reports, decide escalation paths, and file SARs where necessary.Respond to regulator and law‑enforcement requests.Ensure AML policies are in line with the DFSA AML Rulebook and global best practices.Continuously assess ML/TF and sanctions risks to strengthen internal controls.Monitoring & Internal ControlsManage the compliance monitoring plan: periodic reviews, testing, and reporting.Document and resolve incidents or breaches with clear root‑cause analysis.Conduct internal audits or thematic reviews, sharing findings and remediation progress.Maintain all compliance records for inspection readiness.Training & CultureDesign and deliver ongoing compliance and AML training for all employees.Drive a culture of accountability and regulatory awareness across teams.Ensure compliance with CPD, competency requirements, and record‑keeping.Champion a “shared responsibility” approach to compliance — not a checkbox function.Cross‑Functional Risk PartnershipPartner with legal, product, ops, and finance teams on risk assessments.Support new product launches and market entries with early regulatory guidance.Work closely with Risk & Finance to align prudential, operational, and compliance controls.QualificationsUAE-based and eligible for DFSA Authorised Individual approval.Proven experience as a Compliance Officer/MLRO within a DFSA-regulated firm.10+ years in compliance, AML/CFT, or regulatory roles in financial services.Minimum 3 years in a DFSA-regulated firm in an in‑house capacity (not consultancy).Hands‑on track record managing DFSA frameworks, inspections, supervision, and remediation.Strong knowledge of the DFSA Rulebook, UAE Federal AML laws, and global AML/CTF frameworks (FATF, Wolfsberg).Experience building or scaling compliance/AML programs from scratch.Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder‑management capability.Preferred experience in fintech, payments, or startup environments.Direct involvement in DFSA inspections or thematic reviews.Certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent.Ability to operate autonomously, exercise sound judgment, and own DFSA‑mandated functions.#J-18808-Ljbffr