Compliance Officer / MLRO- Saudi Arabia

We are looking for a Compliance Officer in Saudi Arabia to join our global team. This role will play a crucial role in banking relationships as well as with internal reports.

What I will be doing ?

• KYC Onboarding:
• Oversee and manage the Know Your Customer (KYC) onboarding process for new customers and update existing ones in Saudi Arabia
• Ensure compliance with local and international regulatory requirements related to customer identification and verification.
• Transaction Monitoring:
• Implement and enhance transaction monitoring systems to detect and report suspicious activities within the Saudi Arabian context.
• Conduct periodic reviews and assessments to ensure the effectiveness of transaction monitoring processes.
• AML/CFT Compliance:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for AML/CFT matters in Saudi Arabia
• Possess in-depth knowledge of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) regulations in Saudi Arabia
• Develop and enforce AML/CFT policies and procedures tailored to the Saudi Arabian regulatory environment.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Stay abreast of the regulatory landscape governing the payments industry in Saudi Arabia
• Interpret and communicate regulatory changes, especially those related to AML/CFT requirements, to relevant stakeholders within the organisation.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with regulators in Saudi Arabia
• Remittance Compliance:
• Develop and implement compliance procedures specific to remittances and cross-border payments in Saudi Arabia.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements governing remittance services in the Saudi Arabian market.
• Risk Assessments:
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential compliance risks within the Saudi Arabian context.
• Collaborate with other departments to implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Reporting:
• Report findings and other compliance matters related to AML/CFT to different stakeholders in Saudi Arabia in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to internal and external stakeholders as required by Saudi Arabia regulations.
• Training and Awareness:
• Provide training to staff on compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, with a specific focus on AML/CFT in the Saudi Arabia market.
• Foster a culture of compliance awareness within the organisation.

What skills and qualifications do I need?

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; additional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ACAMS, ICA) are a must.
• 4-6 years of legal experience in consultancy firms, AML, Transaction Monitoring, and KYC within the banking or fintech sector
• Proven experience in a compliance role within the financial services industry, with a focus on payments and remittances.
• Hands-on experience in building or implementing compliance-related automations (e.g., workflows, alerts, reporting systems)
• In-depth knowledge of KYC processes, transaction monitoring, and AML/CFT regulations in Saudi Arabia
• Familiarity with Saudi Arabian regulatory frameworks for the payments industry.
• Experience in engaging with regulators in Saudi Arabia and maintaining positive relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.