Manager - Enforcement

Role Overview

Manager - Enforcement at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

Company Overview

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is responsible for the regulation of financial services in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). One of the FSRA's objectives is to prevent, detect and restrain conduct that causes or may cause damage to the reputation of the ADGM through appropriate means including the imposition of sanctions. The FSRA Enforcement Department plays a critical role in advancing the FSRA's pursuit of its objectives through the fair and proportionate use of the FSRA's enforcement powers.

Role Purpose

This Manager role leads the conduct of regulatory investigations, referral assessments, complaint assessments, disciplinary and regulatory actions, and mutual assistance matters within a team of experienced regulatory enforcement professionals. The Manager will specialize in Virtual Asset regulatory compliance and misconduct, and Unauthorised Business and Fraudulent Schemes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Governance

• Assist in the development and effective delivery of the FSRA and Enforcement Department's Strategy and Operational Plan.
• Develop the FSRA's overall strategy and approach to enforcement in collaboration with key FSRA stakeholders.
• Develop and implement the Enforcement Department policies, procedures and practices.
• Develop systems and infrastructure for the FSRA's Enforcement function.
• Assist in the ongoing development, enhancement and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the Enforcement Department's continuous development and enhancement of its policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the Enforcement Department's input into the FSRA's FSAP Assessment Project.

Investigations & Evidence Gathering

• Manage and conduct assigned complex investigations into suspected contraventions of FSRA administered Regulations and Rules.
• Prepare formal recommendations to commence investigations.
• Plan and project manage investigations.
• Gather evidence including through the appropriate exercise of the FSRA's formal powers to require production of documents and information and conduct inspections, and through voluntary requests for information and documents.
• Forensically review and analyse evidence.
• Secure and register evidence.
• Conduct investigative interviews on a compulsory and voluntary basis.
• Report on the progress of investigations.
• Prepare detailed reports of the findings of investigations.
• Prepare briefs of evidence.
• Prepare recommendations to pursue regulatory action to address contraventions of FSRA administered legislation.

Complaints & Referral Assessment

• Assess and respond to complaints concerning potential contraventions of FSRA administered legislation.
• Communicate with complainants to gather further information and supporting evidence as required.
• Review and analyse evidence from complaints.
• Prepare detailed complaint assessment reports and recommendations for further investigation or to pursue regulatory action as required.
• Respond to complainants.
• Assess and respond to internal and external referrals of information concerning potential contraventions of FSRA administered legislation.
• Prepare detailed referral assessment reports.
• Prepare recommendations for further investigation or to pursue regulatory action as required.
• Contribute to the oversight of the Enforcement Department's Complaints Management function.

Regulatory Action & Litigation

• Conduct in collaboration with the FSRA Legal Department regulatory action proceedings to impose regulatory and disciplinary action, including large complex regulatory actions that result in tribunal or court litigation.
• Conduct in collaboration with the FSRA Legal Department Taxation Reporting penalty proceedings.
• Prepare briefs for internal decision makers.
• Support the conduct of litigation with Legal.

Stakeholder & External Relations

• Work collaboratively with other regulatory functions in the FSRA to deliver risk-based regulation to achieve the objectives of the ADGM.
• Work with ADGM and external stakeholders including UAE and international regulatory and law enforcement authorities, ADGM Authorities, market participants and representative bodies.
• Work with other regulatory agencies in any cross-border investigations and regulatory actions.
• Provide effective assistance to international and UAE regulatory and law enforcement authorities including in information sharing requests made under relevant Memorandums of Understanding and, where appropriate, by conducting investigations in ADGM on their behalf with respect to potential breaches.

Projects & Additional Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for assigned initiatives both at FSRA and Departmental level.
• Carry out any project related work that may be assigned both FSRA and Departmental.
• Deliver additional tasks and projects that may be delegated.

Team & Talent Development

• Contribute to building a cohesive team environment in which team members consistently drive to improve performance.
• Take responsibility for mentoring high potential and critical talent in their career progression.

Information Security

• Understand, adopt, adhere and practice responsibilities and controls as per ADGM Information Security policy and as per best practices explained in induction and awareness sessions.
• Maintain confidentiality, integrity and availability of ADGM information at all times within as well as outside ADGM.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Masters Degree in a relevant discipline, primarily law, forensic accounting or law enforcement.
• Minimum 8-10+ years of regulatory enforcement and/or investigation experience, or a combination of regulatory, law enforcement or industry experience in virtual assets investigations.
• Sound working knowledge and experience of regulatory enforcement and investigation practice.
• Comprehensive understanding of financial services regulation and applicable laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex investigations and regulatory action proceedings.
• Appropriate certifications in anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing compliance and fraud examination preferred.
• Appropriate certifications in cryptocurrency forensics, blockchain and crypto investigations preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to make appropriate decisions which are based upon sound judgement and analysis, are evidence-based and well documented.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, presentation, written and communication skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Arabic language would be an advantage.
• Ability to build and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to simplify complex problems and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to take ownership, demonstrate resilience and persist and sustain energy in the face of challenges.
• Act with purpose and integrity and lead by example and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.