Director - AML Sanctions Compliance CEMEA

As a global payment system, Visa maintains global Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Anti-Terrorist Financing (ATF), and Sanctions Programs established under formalized policies and procedures. This position is the subject matter expert role for AML, ATF, and Sanctions related activities and will lead, oversee, and ensure the effectiveness of those activities across the CEMEA region. The position is critical in sustaining Visa's ethical culture and global Compliance Program.

Based in Dubai, the role reports into Visa's Regional Ethics and Compliance Leader (RECL) with strong lines of communication and reporting to Visa's Chief AML Compliance Officer (MLRO).

Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of Visa's AML/ATF and Sanctions Programs for CEMEA based clients and countries consistent with Visa's Global AML/ATF and Sanctions policies and procedures.
• Coordinate closely with Regional Ethics & Compliance Officers (RECO), Business Development Managers, and Product teams to ensure necessary client due diligence, product, and case information is requested, received, and assessed in a timely manner with a high degree of quality.
• Lead or manage onsite client reviews conducted by Visa and/or by third parties as part of enhanced due diligence activities.
• Conduct AML/ATF assessments of new products and services to identify and mitigate inherent AML, ATF, and Sanctions risks.
• Provide subject matter expertise, training, and outreach to RECOs, Country Managers, Business Development Managers, and Product teams to continually educate staff on AML/ATF and sanctions risks, issues, processes, and controls.
• Administer noncompliance measures if required.
• Ensure appropriate application of client country and product risk ratings and monitor for changes in risk profile.
• Participate in the ongoing enhancement and development of the Global AML/ATF and Sanctions policies and procedures as necessary to ensure changes in the regulatory and business environment are addressed.
• Participate in the enhancement and development of global systems in support of AML, ATF, and Sanctions Program implementation.
• Proactively identify and evaluate emerging regulatory trends and laws in markets of operation.
• Coordinate with RECOs and Legal contacts to ensure adherence with obligations identified in emerging laws and regulations. Support internal audits and regulatory requests, ensuring satisfactory resolution of any audit findings and recommendations.
• Present information and discuss Visa's AML, ATF, and Sanctions Programs and industry best practices to clients and partners, and lead discussions with regulators as required.
• Report periodically on program status and escalate issues to senior management.
• Proactively identify potential compliance risk areas for CEMEA and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Lead cross-functional projects in CEMEA requiring involvement of Compliance as the single point of contact.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree or 8 years of experience. An Advanced Degree (e.g., Masters, MBA, JD, MD, or PhD) in management of AML/ATF and Sanctions programs and controls within the financial services industry is an added advantage.
• AML/ATF or Sanctions accreditation required.
• Fluency in either Arabic or French will be seen as an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of AML/ATF typologies and exposure to transaction monitoring applications/systems.
• Good understanding of core pillars of effective AML/ATF and Sanctions programs and appropriate legislation.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and influence to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to explain complex compliance, business, and technical concepts to broad audiences in an approachable way.
• Solution-oriented in approach to challenges in the region.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects/initiatives to conclusion through multifunctional teams.
• Some travel and extended business hours (conference calls) may be required.

Additional Information:

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Remote Work:

No

Employment Type:

Full-time