Head of Compliance & AML - Doha, Qatar

The Company

Our client, a newly established financial institution based within the QFC, are looking for an experienced compliance manager with experience working within the QFCRA, to help establish the firm's compliance & AML function for the region from scratch.

The Role

• Ensure the firm's overall compliance with the regulatory framework, standards and relevant regulations and directives,
• Constantly review the respective legislation, as well as the regulations and directives issued by the Regulator and other respective bodies comprising the Regulatory Framework for the operation of Banks,
• Ensure the firm's compliance with US, UN and other Sanctions requirements
• Liaise with and provide advisory support to the firm's employees on compliance issues;
• Prepare reports for the Regulatory Authorities, the Board of Directors and the Management as appropriate;
• Lead the Compliance & AML as required by the applicable regulations;
• Remain involved, as required for AML compliance, and participate in communications / meetings with regulators, correspondents, etc.
• Combine a sound understanding of the firm's business activities with an appreciation for the regulator's supervisory processes and expectations;
• Act as a main point of contact and manage the relationships with the regulator;
• Engage with regulators, coordinate and enhance the communication;
• Organise and follow-up regulatory work;
• Participate in all communications and meetings of a regulatory nature;
• Keep up to date with regulatory developments;
• Understand regulatory expectations and advise Executive management.
• Act as the firm's key person in implementing the Bank's AML/CFT strategies in relation to Qatar
• Constantly review the respective legislation as well as the regulations, directives, sanctions issued by the Regulator and other relevant bodies comprising the AML regulatory framework;
• Timely review and proactively identify issues and present information to the Senior Management and respective Committee;
• Design the firm's AML/CFT policies, procedures, systems and controls in relation to this jurisdiction, including the operation of the risk-based approach and oversee their implementation;
• Receive, investigate and assess internal suspicious transaction reports for the firm;
• Manage and implement the firm's AML training program and organising appropriate training sessions/seminars;
• Ensure that all departments of the firm take all necessary measures for achieving full compliance with the provisions of the regulatory framework in relation to customer identification, due diligence and record keeping procedures;
• Plan and manage resources to ensure appropriate functioning of the department;
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time within the general scope of Compliance & AML responsibilities

The Candidate

• Min 7 years of solid direct experience in Compliance and AML Function in a similar position
• Deep understanding of the local compliance context as well as AML/CFT Law and the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorist Financing Rules 2010 (the "Rules")
• University degree in Finance/ Economy or related field
• CFA/ ACAMS is considered a plus
• MBA is a strong advantage
• good understanding of Sanctions
• Previous experience of working with Russian and CIS corporate clients is considered a strong advantage
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in ambiguity
• Track record in people management
• Change agility