Senior Specialist - Enforcement

Role Overview

Senior Specialist - Enforcement at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi.

Company Overview

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

Role Purpose

The Senior Specialist - Enforcement will conduct a range of assigned enforcement matters within a team of experienced regulatory enforcement professionals, including investigators, accountants, lawyers and market specialists. The role specializes in Virtual Asset regulatory compliance and misconduct, and Unauthorised Business and Fraudulent Schemes. The incumbent will contribute to the development of the FSRA's overall enforcement strategy and the enhancement of department policies, procedures and systems.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Policy Development

• Assist in the development and effective delivery of the FSRA and Enforcement Department's Strategy and Operational Plan.
• 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.
• Provide expert leadership in key assigned practice and policy areas.
• Take responsibility for initiatives both at FSRA and Departmental level as may be allocated.
• Contribute to the Enforcement Department's input into the FSRA's FSAP Assessment Project.

Investigations & Case Management

• 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 exercise of the FSRA's formal powers to require production of documents and information, 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.
• Lead investigations and regulatory action matters and supervise the conduct of regulatory investigations, referral and complaint assessments, regulatory action matters and mutual assistance matters.

Complaints Management

• Assess and respond to complaints concerning potential contraventions of FSRA administered legislation.
• Communicate with complainants to gather further information and supporting evidence as required.
• Gather information and evidence through exercise of the FSRA's formal powers and through voluntary requests.
• Review and analyse evidence.
• Prepare detailed assessment reports and recommendations for further investigation or to pursue regulatory action as required.
• Respond to complainants.
• Contribute to the oversight of the Enforcement Department's Complaints Management function.

Referral Assessment

• Assess and respond to internal and external referrals of information concerning potential contraventions of FSRA administered legislation.
• Gather information and evidence including through exercise of the FSRA's formal powers and through voluntary requests.
• Review and analyse evidence.
• Prepare detailed assessment reports.
• Prepare recommendations for further investigation or to pursue regulatory action as required.

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.

Stakeholder & International Engagement

• Work collaboratively with other regulatory functions in the FSRA to deliver risk-based regulation to achieve the objectives of the ADGM.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with ADGM and external stakeholders including UAE and international regulatory and law enforcement authorities, ADGM Authorities, market participants and representative bodies to identify and develop initiatives that support and contribute to the development of ADGM as an International Financial Centre.
• 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.

Team Leadership & 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.

Projects & Additional Duties

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

Information Security

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

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree.
• Appropriate qualifications in anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing compliance and fraud examination preferred.

Work Experience

• Minimum 6-8+ years of regulatory enforcement and/or investigation experience, or a combination of regulatory, law enforcement or industry experience in virtual assets investigations.
• Working knowledge and experience of regulatory enforcement and investigation practice.
• Working knowledge of financial services regulation and applicable laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex investigations and regulatory action proceedings.

Skills & Competencies

• 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 make appropriate decisions which are based upon sound judgement and analysis, are evidence-based and well documented.
• Ability to take ownership, demonstrate resilience and persist and sustain energy in the face of challenges.
• Act with purpose and integrity.
• Lead by example and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.