AML & Compliance Officer

Introduction: AML & Compliance Officer Dubai / Middle East

Ant International powers the future of global commerce with digital innovation for everyone and every business to thrive. In close collaboration with partners, we support merchants of all sizes worldwide to realize their growth aspirations through a comprehensive range of tech-driven digital payment and financial services solutions.

Ant International strives to become the most trusted digital services connector to achieve sustainable growth of global commerce.

With a focus on Travel, Trade, Technology, and Talent, Ant International is committed to enhancing the digital mindset and capacities of businesses worldwide. Through fostering collaborative efforts with partners, we are driving responsible innovation and increase market accessibility for global SMEs.

We do so across our 4 key businesses: Alipay+, Antom, WorldFirst and ANEXT Bank.

Based in Dubai, this individual will be part of a growing and dynamic International AML and Compliance team supporting Ant International business.

We are looking to hire a detail-oriented, hard-working senior AML and Compliance professional to join the team. This person will work closely with the UAE and other Middle East regulators, other AML and Compliance team members across the Group, Legal, Risk management, Data privacy, and also business and operation teams at Ant International.

The ideal candidate will be a confident self-starter with strong interpersonal and organizational skills, exercise good judgement, experienced in the relevant Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and Regulatory Compliance in payments or financial services industry, and with demonstrable ability to effectively and proactively engage and partner with the business in a fast-paced and engaging environment.

What you’ll do:

1. Act as the focal point for the oversight of all activities relating to the prevention and detection of AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance.
2. Establish and manage an effective AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance program and system of controls.
3. Develop prudential and effective AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance policies and procedures, maintain key obligations register, supervise and monitor compliance (including AML & CFT), coordinate and manage responses to and engagements with regulators, provide regular compliance assessments and updates to senior management.
4. Lead and support applications for, and continuing maintenance of, payment institutions, payment systems, e-money licenses and other similar Fintech-related business licenses or permits as needed.
5. Provide support and guidance to the Business Development team in relation to AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory issues.
6. Liaise with key stakeholders to support and fulfil any regulatory or external audit or assessment requirements.
7. Regularly report to senior management to ensure that AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance risks are adequately identified, understood and managed, particularly to communicate key AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance issues including significant compliance deficiencies.
8. Carry out risk assessment at the enterprise level and on products and services offered by Ant International in the Middle East market.
9. Work with in-house AML and Regulatory product and technology team to select and implement relevant technology solutions.
10. Actively identify and report suspicious transactions by reviewing internal disclosures and act as the main point of contact with the UAE and other Middle East regulators and law enforcement agencies.
11. Continuously develop and review the AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance systems to ensure they remain up-to-date, meet current statutory and regulatory requirements and are effective in managing AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance risks arising from the business.
12. Ensure AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance staff training is adequate, appropriate and effective.
13. Conduct due diligence review on strategic business partner and M&A target companies to evaluate potential AML/Sanctions/CTF and Regulatory Compliance risks.
14. Assist in the license application process, ensuring all necessary documentation and requirements are met.
15. Act as the liaison between our organization and regulatory bodies, facilitating effective communication.
16. Develop and implement regulatory compliance policies and procedures.
17. Oversee Anti-Money Laundering (AML) operations, including transaction monitoring and compliance framework.
18. Work closely with the EMEA Legal and Privacy teams to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
19. Collaborate with direct reports to establish a strong compliance culture within the organization.

What we’re looking for:

1. At least 5+ years of relevant compliance, regulatory or similar experience and preferably five years in a supervisory role.
2. Strong regulatory compliance experience and demonstrable skills in AML, general compliance, privacy and security, consumer protection and domestic/regional regulatory management.
3. Knowledgeable in fintech, payment systems, money transmitter licensing or similar legal and regulatory requirements in the Middle East.
4. A team leader with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with multiple teams located in different jurisdictions and under strict deadlines.
5. Excellent project management skills and sound judgement.
6. Self-starter with good attitude. Resourceful, adaptable and flexible in a highly engaging, demanding and rewarding environment.
7. Demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit and initiative.