Compliance Manager - Retail Compliance Unit

Primary functions

• Lead MGN Business Banking team and oversee the operations of the squad within Business Banking Compliance.

• RBG Compliance spoc for digitization / automation initiatives in coordination with Business and Compliance Digital Studio and Innovation unit.

• Responsible for conducting quality checks for key deliverables across all Retail Banking Group compliance squads. Ensuring that all activities in the squads adhere to regulatory standards and internal policies.

• Responsible for disseminating / ensuring adherence to strategic guidance, leading assigned teams, and driving digital transformation initiatives to enhance compliance effectiveness and efficiencies.

• Stay aware / updated of all applicable regulatory guidelines

• Support implementation of initiatives in RBG Compliance as and when may be assigned by Unit head

• Conduct quality check for auto discounting – Ename & L1/L2 High-Risk Nationality for the RBG (entity and Individuals).

• Centralize to manage RBG Incidents which needs to be assessed from the CPR Standards point of view and further escalated to senior management/RCU for CBUAE reporting.

Key Result Areas

• Maintain awareness of regulatory expectations and bank’s policies and standards.

• Ensure Unit’s procedures are aligned with regulations and bank’s policies and standards

• Maintain cordial relationships with all applicable stakeholders to facilitate timely identification and resolution of any gaps to regulatory requirements or bank’s policies / standards.

• Conduct training across Compliance and relevant stakeholders in line with annual training plans / identified requirements.

• Provide advisory on the name screening matches and enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk business accounts.

• Prepare analysis on different compliance reports related to high risk reviews and name screening for senior management update on the trends.

• Respond to audit queries and represent compliance in ad hoc projects.

• Conduct quality assurance checks for the Retail Compliance team.

• Lead and manage the compliance team, providing mentorship and performance oversight.

• Drive digital transformation initiatives including automation, AI integration, and dashboard development.

• Represent compliance in strategic cross-functional meetings and projects.

• Flag and escalate any high-risk nationality L1/L2 alert where discounting may not comply with the discounting guidelines.

• Ensure adherence to all Consumer Protection Regulation requirements in incident reporting to CBUAE.

• Maintain records and audit trails of all incidents, assessments, and regulatory communications.

Operating Environment, Framework and Boundaries, Working Relationships

• Operates in a strictly regulated environment and requires in-depth knowledge of all applicable regulations, systems and market trends.

• Need to work within the framework of regulatory guidelines, bank’s policies / standard operating procedures, and aligned with best market practices ensuring efficient and effective processes with needed monitoring and controls in place.

• Always maintain cordial and professional rapport and good interactive relationships with all relevant stakeholders.

Problem Solving

• Evaluate high-risk referrals / PEP relationships.
• Contribute to product/ system/ policy development in line with regulatory expectations and internal requirements.
• Identify and escalate any deviations to line manager/ unit head / HOC, as applicable.
• Identify and solve challenges related to unit’s automation and digitization initiatives.
• Strategically assess compliance risks and propose mitigation measure.

Decision Making Authority & Responsibilities

• Interact with all relevant stakeholders to decide on high risk/ name screening referrals for the onboarding and KYC processes in the best way forward with regards to onboarding journeys, ensuring full compliance with applicable regulations and the Bank’s policies / standards.

• Contribute to the development of products, system enhancements / implementation, policies and procedures, ensuring appropriate controls from bank’s policies and regulatory expectations perspective.

• Identify, report and assist senior management, in identification of issues in a timely manner to ensure swift resolution.

• Assist management in finding solutions/ needed enhancements to processes related to onboarding, KYC and advisory.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Graduate with 7–10 years in banking, specifically KYC/EDD for business/corporate clients.

• Strong communication skills.

• Knowledge of UAE regulations.

• Proficient in Excel, presentation skills, and AI tools.

• Logical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Experience in coordinating / supporting compliance processes / system solutions.

• Proven leadership and team management experience.

• Experience in implementing digital transformation initiatives in compliance.