SAR Writer & Transaction Monitoring Specialist

SAR Writer & Transaction Monitoring Specialist

We are seeking experienced Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) Writers and Transaction Monitoring Specialists to support a leading international bank in Dubai. This role focuses on identifying, investigating, and reporting suspicious financial activities to ensure compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations and global financial crime compliance (FCC) standards.

The successful candidates will be responsible for analyzing transactions, assessing potential financial crime risks, and drafting high-quality SARs to mitigate regulatory exposure.

Key Responsibilities:

Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR Writing)

• Conduct detailed investigations of flagged transactions and customer activity.
• Prepare and submit well-structured, comprehensive SARs in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure SARs include a clear narrative, evidential justification, and accurate risk assessments.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all cases for audit and compliance purposes.

Transaction Monitoring & Investigations

• Review, assess, and escalate unusual transactions that may indicate money laundering, fraud, or terrorist financing.
• Conduct end-to-end investigations using transaction monitoring systems and internal bank data.
• Identify patterns and typologies of financial crime and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with Compliance, AML, and Risk teams to clear backlogs effectively.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all investigations comply with UAE Central Bank and international AML regulations (FATF, AMLD, OFAC, etc.).
• Support internal audits and regulatory inspections by providing relevant case documentation.
• Stay updated on changes in financial crime regulations and typologies to enhance investigative practices.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 3+ years experience in SAR writing, transaction monitoring, or AML investigations in banking or financial services.
• Strong knowledge of financial crime regulations, AML compliance, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience with transaction monitoring tools (e.g., Actimize, Mantas, SAS, or similar).
• Excellent investigative, analytical, and report-writing skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle high volumes of SARs while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Understanding of customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD) processes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively within compliance teams.

Preferred Skills:

• CAMS, ICA, or other AML-related certification is a strong advantage.
• Experience in a Tier 1 or international bank preferred.
• Familiarity with UAE banking regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.