Regional Compliance and AML Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Functions

1. Primarily responsible for overseeing regulatory relationships, managing regulatory reporting, handling licensing applications, and addressing company-related matters with regulators and central banks in Egypt, Kuwait, and other assigned Group jurisdictions.
2. Attend to the day-to-day compliance and AML related requests/requirements primarily for the Group entities set up in Egypt, Kuwait[1] and such other regions as may be assigned by the Head of Department.
3. Research and provide advice on the compliance matters; map and gap assessment on all applicable laws and card scheme rules and ensuring compliance.
4. Serve as the Regional MLRO in Egypt with an extended AML duties for the group entities overseeing the obligations in accordance with the Group’s policies and procedures, carry out regular audits and checks on onboarding procedures and ongoing transaction monitoring.
5. Review the customer complaint reports and address exceptions or patterns that needs to be addressed with process enhancements and timely action including any external reporting or regulator escalated matters handling.
6. Draft, review, update and maintain all policies and procedures the are in place for the compliance department specifically from Egypt laws and regulations perspective and other assigned Group jurisdictions.
7. Prepare the annual compliance testing plan and implement the same in a timely manner for the assigned region.
8. Research and review the jurisdiction specific regulatory requirements, assist in the preparation of license application, and coordinate regulatory submissions and handling of all local/Group regulatory and external reporting related meetings and engagements.
9. Liaise with the regulators and manage the compliance and AML related matters, and ensure a steady maintenance of good standing for the Company before the relevant regulators;
10. Assist in maintaining a reporting calendar for the assigned region, tracking reporting timelines and ensure timely submissions.
11. Review the marketing and press release content review.
12. Prepare such updates, reports and submissions as may be required by the Head of the Department.
13. Carry out such other duties and obligations ancillary to the responsibilities noted above or as assigned by the Head of the Department.

Educational Qualifications & Experience

1. A seasoned compliance professional with a degree in law, finance or business administration and certifications from ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), ICA (International Compliance Association) and/or other equivalent certification.
2. At least 5 to 7 years post-qualification experience, carrying out compliance responsibilities in a regulated financial institution, fintech or payments environment in the United Arab Emirates with extensive exposure and familiarity in handling regulatory relationships and licensing matters.
3. Proven track record managing licensing applications and regulatory authorizations in the United Arab Emirates financial sector.
4. Fluency in Arabic is must, while excellent command on English (written and spoken) is required.
5. Good command and skillset in MS Word, PPT, SharePoint, etc required.

Supervisory Responsibility

This is a mid-managerial role reporting into the Group Head of Legal and Compliance. Team growth is expected to occur in the near term depending on the addition to or expansion of Group business. Therefore, line management experience is a strong plus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

These are full-time positions. Regular hours of work and days are Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, this position can regularly require long hours and frequent weekend work and may also require support to the Group entities at their respective timings.

Travel

Flexibility to travel as required, depending on business needs

 Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required from the employee hired or engaged for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.