AML/CFT Monitoring Manager

Role Overview

AML/CFT Monitoring Manager at HALA, a leading fintech player in the MENAP region. Based in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Egypt.

Company Overview

HALA is a fintech company founded in 2017 that aims to redefine financial services and build the future bank of SMEs. The company operates multiple entities across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, including HALA Payments and HALA Logistics. HALA offers solutions enabling merchants to digitize payments and manage sales and operations. The company is currently licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank.

Role Purpose

Manage and enhance the transaction monitoring framework to ensure timely detection, investigation, and escalation of suspicious activities in line with SAMA regulations and internal AML policies. Oversee monitoring controls, alert management, quality assurance, and team performance to mitigate money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Key Responsibilities

Monitoring Operations & End-to-End Oversight

• Own and operate the AML/CFT monitoring function end to end, including customer acceptance, KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, investigations, escalation, and ongoing risk management.
• Design, maintain, review, test, and enhance transaction monitoring scenarios, rules, thresholds, and logic to ensure effective detection of money laundering and terrorist financing risks and continuous improvement of monitoring quality.
• Lead AML-related systems enhancements and data quality improvements in coordination with technology and operations teams, including automation, optimization of workflows, and reduction of false positives.

Customer Due Diligence & Risk Assessment

• Review customer onboarding and periodic KYC updates and obtain the required approvals for high-risk customers, PEPs, complex ownership structures, UBOs, and source of funds/source of wealth assessments, with clear documentation and audit-ready records.
• Review and update customer risk ratings (low, medium, high) based on relevant internal and external risk factors, changes in customer profile or behavior, regulatory or legal developments, and other material risk indicators, ensuring appropriate approvals, governance, and documentation.
• Lead AML/CFT risk assessments covering customers, products, services, delivery channels, geographic exposure, and the size and nature of HALA's activities, and ensure that monitoring, due diligence, and control measures remain aligned with the identified risk levels.

Alert Investigations & Escalation

• Oversee alert handling and investigations lifecycle, ensuring timely review, sound analysis, proper documentation, and structured escalation of suspicious cases to the AML/CFT reporting function for submission to the FIU.

Reporting & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and oversee periodic AML/CFT reports, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports, ensuring meaningful metrics, trends, and management information.
• Represent the organization in AML/CFT matters with regulators, internal audit, and external reviewers, including inspections, information requests, and follow-up actions.
• Continuously monitor regulatory developments and industry typologies, translating them into practical enhancements to AML/CFT policies, controls, monitoring, and investigations.

Stakeholder Management & Advisory

• Act as the primary AML/CFT advisor to relevant internal stakeholders, including Business, Product, Operations, Technology, Risk, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Customer Care, and senior governance committees, providing guidance on initiatives, changes, and AML/CFT risk mitigation measures.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the AML/CFT team by allocating tasks, managing workloads, evaluating performance, and delivering targeted training and awareness programs.
• Develop and execute the annual AML/CFT plan for the unit, including objectives, initiatives, KPIs, and ongoing performance monitoring.

Additional Duties

• Perform any additional AML/CFT-related duties assigned by the Head of AML/CFT or MLRO.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• 7+ years in AML monitoring and investigations.
• Relevant certifications such as CCO, CAMS, or equivalent.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and SAMA requirements.
• In-depth understanding of transaction monitoring systems and scenario tuning.
• Strong risk assessment and decision-making capability.
• Ability to analyze complex transaction patterns and emerging typologies.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination.
• Strong reporting and presentation skills.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving capability.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.
• Governance & Risk Oversight – Advanced.
• Decision-Making & Judgment – Advanced.
• Strategic Thinking – Advanced.

Additional Information

• Inclusive and diverse culture that encourages innovation and flexibility in remote, in-office, and hybrid work setups.
• Highly competitive compensation packages, including the potential for shares.
• Regular training and annual learning stipend for personal development and career growth.
• Autonomy, mentoring, and challenging goals that create opportunities for professional advancement.
• Work with a talented team of over 30 nationalities across 7 countries.