Head of Regulatory Business SetUps

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Travel within the UAE and internationally from time to time in accordance with the firm’s strategy and objectives.

Role Reports to CEO

Role Overview: The Head of Regulatory Set Ups will play a pivotal role in establishing and executing the firm’s strategic focus of building a successful business (1) assisting client entities to achieve regulated financial services entity status in ADGM and DIFC, and (2) providing fractional outsourced services to those entities post establishment (MLRO and Compliance Officer). The role demands a detailed knowledge of the UAE, DIFC and ADGM regulatory and administrative (licensing) regimes, an ability to engage with colleagues and clients as an SME, knowledge and drive to lead the development of templated documentation and the delivery of client bespoke documentation. Experience as an outsourced MLRO or CO is highly desirable, alongside an exceptional client-centric, commercial and results-driven ethos. While new business origination is not a primary focus, the role holder will be involved in prospect meetings to bring technical support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance Support: Facilitate the process for client companies to obtain various authorizations (e.g., Category 3A, Category 3C, Category 4), ensuring strict adherence to relevant regulations and standards.
• Investment Deal Arrangement: Facilitate the arrangement of investment deals, including advising on financial products, arranging custody, and managing insurance intermediation and insurance management services.
• Alternative Trading System Operation: Oversee the operation of alternative trading systems, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and efficient system management.
• Fund Administration & Trust Services: Provide fund administration services and trust services (excluding acting as a trustee for express trusts), ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Money Services Management: Manage money services, specifically focusing on money transmission, arranging credit, advising on credit, and operating crowdfunding platforms.
• Company Documentation, Policy & Procedure Development: Develop templated documentation for regulatory set-ups and ongoing services, including proposals, engagement letters, and collateral materials.
• Regulatory Business Plans (RBPs) and Policy Development: Oversee the creation and refinement of Regulatory Business Plans and key policy and procedure materials, providing high-level technical and practical input.
• Regulatory Liaison: Collaborate closely with regulators to manage the application process efficiently, ensuring timely and successful authorizations for clients.
• Acting as MLRO and/or Compliance Officer: Serve as the MLRO and/or Compliance Officer for client companies as needed, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
• Client Engagement: Engage with prospective clients by creating and delivering compelling presentations that demonstrate the firm’s regulatory set-up capabilities.
• Collaboration: Work flexibly and collaboratively with the company’s staff and external contractors to secure client mandates for regulatory set-ups and ongoing services.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Mentor the regulatory set-ups team, fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and client-centricity.
• Training: Design and deliver in-house training programs for company staff and contractors to enhance their understanding of regulatory set-ups and ongoing services.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, ideally gained in a Consultancy or Corporate Service Provider (CSP) environment.
• Strong understanding of international regulatory standards and cross-border compliance issues.
• Experience in designing and implementing transaction monitoring rules and systems.
• Familiarity with regulatory databases and compliance management systems.
• Educational background in finance, law, business administration, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CAMS, CFE, CPA, or equivalent are advantageous.
• DFSA/ADGM Authorized MLRO certification is desirable but not mandatory.