Assistant Vice President – Financial Crime Compliance

Role Overview

Assistant Vice President – Financial Crime Compliance at Aldar Properties. The role is based in the United Arab Emirates and ensures the organization remains compliant with regulatory obligations, maintains financial crime awareness, and adheres to internal policies while supporting business functions to achieve their objectives.

Role Purpose

Establish and maintain a robust Financial Crime Compliance framework that protects Aldar from financial, regulatory, legal, and reputational risks. Act as the second line of defence, promoting a strong compliance culture while enabling business units to operate effectively within a controlled risk environment.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Organization and Framework

• Promote a strong culture of compliance, AML awareness, and ethical conduct across the organization.
• Support the continuous enhancement of the Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) framework, systems, and controls.
• Evaluate and support the implementation of digital, AI, and automation initiatives to enhance compliance processes.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the organization.
• Draft, review, and support the implementation of compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory documentation.
• Design and maintain risk-based compliance monitoring programmes and effective FCC controls.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the Compliance Programme, including training and awareness initiatives.
• Partner with the VP – Compliance and business stakeholders to maintain an effective Compliance Programme and Regulatory Universe.
• Support the alignment of compliance activities with business objectives and the organization's risk management framework.
• Ensure effective data protection, confidentiality, and record retention practices within the Compliance function.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Identify, investigate, and report compliance, AML, sanctions, ethics, and anti-bribery breaches, recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Conduct compliance risk assessments and monitor the effectiveness of controls and mitigation actions.
• Monitor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal FCC policies.
• Prepare periodic compliance, AML, and regulatory reports for senior management and governance committees.
• Support regulatory inspections, audits, and engagements with regulators and external stakeholders.
• Maintain and periodically review the organization's Regulatory Universe.
• Monitor the implementation of corrective actions and escalate significant compliance matters to the VP and Head of Compliance.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and management papers for senior management and governance forums.

Stakeholder Engagement and Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders, regulators, auditors, and external service providers.
• Coordinate with business stakeholders to support compliance objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Provide compliance guidance to business functions and support regulatory reviews and internal audits.
• Promote compliance awareness and reinforce a strong compliance culture across the organization.
• Drive continuous improvement of compliance processes, controls, and technology-enabled solutions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or Law.

Skills & Competencies

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic (verbal and written).
• Strong ethics, compliance, and risk management knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal skills with attention to detail and effective decision-making abilities.
• Effective communicator across all stakeholder groups.
• Analytical and critical thinking with strong written communication ability.
• Advanced presentation skills.