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Head of Compliance
Description
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
1. 5-8 years of compliance experience within a DFSA-regulated firm, ADGM-regulated firm, or a similar GCC financial services entity.
2. Must currently hold or be demonstrably eligible for DFSA Approved Person status for the Compliance Officer (CO) function.
3. Direct, hands-on experience applying the DFSA Rulebook, including GEN, COB, and AML modules.
4. Proven practical experience in AML/CFT, including conducting CDD/EDD, handling SARs/STRs, and managing sanctions screening.
5. Experience in designing, implementing, and executing a Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP).
6. Demonstrated ability to independently author regulatory reports, compliance policies, and board-level papers.
7. Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field.
8. Experience acting as the primary regulatory contact during inspections or supervisory visits.
Desirable
1. Professional compliance qualification such as ICA Diploma in Compliance or CAMS.
2. Prior experience holding the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) function.
3. Experience in compliance within an investment management or asset management context in the DIFC.
4. Familiarity with the UAE Federal AML Law and goAML reporting platform.
5. Experience managing or mentoring junior compliance staff.
Role Highlights
📍 Location
Dubai
💼 Work Location Type
Onsite
📈 Job Level
Senior
⌛ Experience
5 to 8 Years
🏢 Department
Finance
🏭 Industry
Finance
🔹 Sub-Industry
Capital Markets
Getting StartedA few quick details so we know how to reach you
How did you hear about us? *
Which country's passport do you hold? *
Email *(Please ensure the email matches the one mentioned in your CV or resume)
LinkedIn Profile URL *
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Let’s Get to Know You BetterA few short questions to understand your experience and what you enjoy doing
1. Do you have 5 or more years of compliance experience within a financial services firm regulated by the DFSA, ADGM, or another GCC regulator? *
2. Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, DFSA Approved Person status for a licensed function? *
3. Have you had direct, hands-on responsibility for applying the DFSA Rulebook in a previous role? *
4. Does your experience include acting as a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) or Deputy MLRO? *
5. Have you been responsible for creating and executing an annual Compliance Monitoring Programme? *
6. Have you independently prepared and submitted regulatory reports directly to the DFSA? *
Final DetailsSalary expectations and any supporting credentials
1. Where does your salary sit today (so we can help it move up tomorrow)?*
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2. What’s the number that’ll make you say "this is worth it"?*
Per month, in the currency mentioned
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