Chief Risk Officer
Finance
Dubai, UAE
Onsite
Full-time
Director
15 years
Posted Jun 17, 2026
About the role
A client of byteSpark.ai seeking a distinguished Chief Risk Officer to join their premier financial services firm specializing in private equity and capital raising based in Dubai, UAE. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework that aligns with our strategic objectives. This executive will lead all aspects of risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and reporting across the organization, including market, credit, operational, and regulatory risks. A key focus will be on embedding a proactive risk management culture and ensuring all investment activities, particularly those in the Sharia-compliant space, are conducted within the established risk appetite. This role requires providing strategic counsel to the Board of Directors and executive leadership, ensuring robust risk oversight for investment due diligence and portfolio management, and navigating the complex UAE regulatory landscape to guarantee full compliance and safeguard the firm’s assets and reputation.
Requirements
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in risk management within the financial services industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Head of Risk, CRO).
- Demonstrable experience within a private equity, investment management, or capital raising environment.
- In-depth knowledge and practical experience in designing and implementing Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks.
- Proven expertise in the risk management principles of Sharia-compliant and Islamic finance products and structures.
- Comprehensive understanding of the UAE financial regulatory environment, including experience with bodies such as the DFSA and/or SCA.
- Strong background in leading risk assessment for investment due diligence, deal structuring, and ongoing portfolio monitoring.
- Extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative risk analysis and financial modeling.
- Proven ability to report to and advise a Board of Directors and executive-level committees on complex risk matters.
Desirable skills
- Professional risk management certification (e.g., FRM, PRM).
- Experience working with Sharia advisory boards.
- Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Established network within the UAE financial and regulatory communities.
- International experience, particularly within GCC financial markets.
Role details
- Department
- Finance
- Location
- Dubai, UAE
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Job level
- Director
- Experience
- 15 years
- Industry
- Finance
- Sub-industry
- Capital Markets
- Compensation
- AED 80K-105K/month + bonus structure
Frequently asked questions
This recruitment process is being managed by byteSpark.ai on behalf of a financial services client based in Dubai. byteSpark.ai is not the employer for this position. The client’s identity and relevant company details will be shared with shortlisted candidates at the appropriate stage.
This is an executive Chief Risk Officer appointment responsible for leading the organisation’s Enterprise Risk Management framework across investment, market, credit, operational, liquidity, regulatory, and reputational risks. The role also provides strategic risk advice to the Board, executive leadership, and investment committees.
The strongest candidates will have at least 15 years of progressive financial-services risk experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership position such as Chief Risk Officer or Head of Risk. Direct exposure to private equity, investment management, or capital raising is essential.
Yes. Candidates should have practical experience with the UAE financial regulatory environment, including bodies such as the DFSA or SCA, together with direct responsibility for risk frameworks covering Sharia-compliant investments or Islamic finance structures. Experience working with Sharia advisory boards is an additional advantage.
We do not send automatic email confirmations after every application. The review process usually takes two to three weeks, depending on the client’s priorities, the seniority of the assessment, and the volume of relevant applications received.