Head of Compliance (DIFC, ADGM)
Finance
Dubai
Onsite
Full-time
Senior
5 to 8 Years
Posted Jun 25, 2026
About the role
bytespark.ai is seeking a technically excellent and commercially aware Head of Compliance for our client, a prestigious DIFC-regulated financial services firm. This is a hands-on, practitioner-level role ideal for a compliance professional with 5-8 years of experience ready for their first Approved Person position. The successful candidate will be fully accountable to the DFSA, responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a robust compliance framework. This includes leading all AML/CFT activity as the designated MLRO and owning the firm's relationship with the regulator. You will personally execute the annual Compliance Monitoring Programme, provide expert guidance to the business, and ensure all regulatory reporting is completed accurately and on time. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow into a senior compliance leader within a dynamic environment, carrying full DFSA Senior Management Function (SMF) accountability.
Requirements
- 5-8 years of compliance experience within a DFSA-regulated firm, ADGM-regulated firm, or a similar GCC financial services entity.
- Must currently hold or be demonstrably eligible for DFSA Approved Person status for the Compliance Officer (CO) function.
- Direct, hands-on experience applying the DFSA Rulebook, including GEN, COB, and AML modules.
- Proven practical experience in AML/CFT, including conducting CDD/EDD, handling SARs/STRs, and managing sanctions screening.
- Experience in designing, implementing, and executing a Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP).
- Demonstrated ability to independently author regulatory reports, compliance policies, and board-level papers.
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- Experience acting as the primary regulatory contact during inspections or supervisory visits.
Desirable skills
- Professional compliance qualification such as ICA Diploma in Compliance or CAMS.
- Prior experience holding the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) function.
- Experience in compliance within an investment management or asset management context in the DIFC.
- Familiarity with the UAE Federal AML Law and goAML reporting platform.
- Experience managing or mentoring junior compliance staff.
Role details
- Department
- Finance
- Location
- Dubai
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Job level
- Senior
- Experience
- 5 to 8 Years
- Industry
- Finance
- Sub-industry
- Capital Markets
- Compensation
- AED 50K-65K/month + visa and medical
Frequently asked questions
This recruitment process is being managed by byteSpark.ai, a recruitment agency supporting a client on this role. The client name is not disclosed at the application stage, but relevant details will be shared with shortlisted candidates at the appropriate stage.
This is a Head of Compliance role within a DIFC-regulated financial services firm. The role carries senior responsibility for the compliance framework, AML and CFT oversight, regulatory reporting, the Compliance Monitoring Programme, and the firm's relationship with the DFSA.
The most relevant experience includes 5 to 8 years of compliance experience within a DFSA-regulated firm, an ADGM-regulated firm, or a similar GCC financial services environment. Direct experience with the DFSA Rulebook, AML and CFT, CDD and EDD, sanctions screening, regulatory reporting, and compliance monitoring is particularly important.
Candidates should currently hold, have previously held, or be able to demonstrate clear eligibility for DFSA Approved Person status for the Compliance Officer function. Experience acting as an MLRO or Deputy MLRO is also highly relevant.
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, role urgency, and the volume of relevant applications received.