Compliance Officer

Head of Recruitment at haus & haus Real Estate | 4 Years UAE Experience | Currently Hiring | Get in Touch!

The Compliance Officer will be responsible for overseeing and managing the Company's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) compliance framework. This role ensures adherence to UAE regulations, particularly those set by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the UAE Central Bank. The Compliance Officer will act as the key liaison between the Company and Regulatory Authorities, ensuring proper reporting, due diligence, and risk management processes are in place.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:

• Develop, implement, and maintain AML/CTF policies and procedures in line with UAE Regulations and International best practices.
• Ensure the Company's compliance with all applicable laws, including but not limited to Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 on AML/CTF and associated guidelines.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and gap analyses to identify and mitigate AML risks in Real Estate transactions.
• Monitor Real Estate transactions for suspicious activities and ensure proper reporting to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) using the UAE’s goAML system.
• Report all cash amounts of AED 55,000 or more received from clients for Sales deals to the FIU.
• Report any Sales deals to the FIU where the method of payment is or has been converted from a virtual asset for a portion or the entire property value.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with Regulatory Authorities on all AML/CTF matters.
• Review, investigate, and report suspicious transactions and activities in a timely manner.
• Maintain detailed records of all STR filings and internal investigations.
• Provide advisory support to the business on transactions that may pose a risk of money laundering or terrorist financing.

Customer Due Diligence (CDD) & Know Your Customer (KYC):

• Oversee the implementation of robust KYC and CDD procedures for all clients, ensuring compliance with Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk transactions.
• Ensure ongoing monitoring of clients and transactions to detect potential risks.
• Review and approve onboarding procedures for new clients in alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and conduct AML/CTF training programs for employees to ensure awareness of compliance obligations.
• Ensure that all documentation, transactions, and reports related to AML/CTF are properly recorded and maintained.
• Prepare monthly reports for Senior Management on the Company’s AML/CTF activities and the compliance status.
• Assist with internal and external audits focusing on AML/CTF compliance.

Policies and Procedures:

• Speak with clients and/or coworkers using clear and professional language.
• Maintain confidentiality of Company materials and information.
• Protect the privacy and security of clients and/or coworkers.
• Follow Company and Department policies and procedures.

Other Duties:

• Your Manager may assign tasks beyond those outlined in your job description.
• The job description is subject to revision based on business needs.

Person Specification:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in AML Compliance, preferably in the UAE Real Estate Sector or Financial Services.
• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree or professional AML certification is an advantage).
• Certification such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UAE AML/CTF Laws and Regulations.
• Experience in dealing with Regulatory Bodies such as DLD, FIU, and the UAE Central Bank.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to train and guide internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and objectively while ensuring alignment with Company objectives.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• English - Arabic would be advantageous.