Head Of AML UAE (UAE Nationals Preferred)

Role Overview

Head of AML UAE at Citi, based in the United Arab Emirates. UAE Nationals are preferred. This is a full-time position in the Compliance function, AML Core job family.

Role Purpose

Lead the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance function across the UAE region. Design, implement, and maintain best-in-class AML policies, practices, and control frameworks. Manage multiple teams across locations and ensure consistent execution of AML compliance strategy while serving as primary liaison between Citi and external regulators.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Control Framework

• Design, develop, deliver, and maintain best-in-class AML Compliance policies and practices.
• Provide a mechanism for identifying key money laundering risks and how the mitigation of those risks would be monitored and measured through a robust control framework.
• Confirm that reviews are conducted consistently across each entity on a regular basis to validate that the controls identified are operating effectively.
• Continually review and monitor the results from Manager Control Assessments (MCAs) to determine if changes are required.

Governance and Escalation

• Develop and improve upon the Governance and Escalation framework to inform senior management in a timely manner of emerging issues for prompt action and correction.
• Establish a formal Feedback Channel with the Businesses, Internal Audit and Compliance Assurance to validate that root cause analysis is performed proactively and communicated to relevant stakeholders through the established channel.
• Review, consolidate, address, and track to resolution significant issues identified through root cause analysis and report to senior management.
• Validate that feedback and root causes from various channels are consolidated and shared within Compliance to allow for enhancements to Policy, Standards, and Learning & Development as necessary.

Regulatory and Audit Management

• Liaise with regulators externally and Citi Internal Audit and Compliance Assurance staff, as appropriate.
• Coordinate AML-related examinations, audits, and reviews.
• Manage document production and issue responses to confirm consistency in responses and communication across regions such that actions and conclusions are shared.

Training and Development

• Provide adequate training to the Business lines and other AML Compliance employees.
• Participate in the design and delivery of training as required to inform employees of the objectives of the program.

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage a diverse team of staff across multiple locations.
• Invest in the development of all team members to facilitate consistent execution.
• Manage people, budget and planning, to include duties such as performance evaluation, compensation, hiring, disciplinary actions and terminations and budget approval.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets.
• Drive compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and adhere to Policy.
• Apply sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices.
• Escalate, manage and report control issues with transparency.
• Effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

General

• Execute additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• 15+ years FinCrime experience, preferably in the UAE and/or Middle East region.
• Prior work experience in a financial institution with job-specific work experience in AML.
• AML certification.
• Bachelor's degree or University degree; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with and previous exposure to internal or external control functions and regulators, including the US; particularly banking and AML regulators.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex issues through root cause analysis and other analytical techniques; structure potential solutions; and drive to resolution with senior stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Analytical Thinking.
• Business Acumen.
• Credible Challenge.
• Digital Skills, including AI.
• Laws and Regulations.
• Process Execution.
• Program Management.
• Referral and Escalation.
• Risk Controls and Monitors.
• Risk Identification and Assessment.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented.
• Proactive leadership and motivational skills.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex problems and solutions through concise and clear messaging.
• Significant knowledge and expertise of AML regulations, risks and appropriate controls.
• Experience in the design and implementation of AML programs.
• Ability to influence and lead people across cultures at a senior level using sound judgment and successful execution, understanding how to operate effectively across diverse businesses.
• Level of comfort with creative tension across different lines of defense while maintaining professionalism and a shared goal of increased quality levels across the program.
• Proven ability to effectively assess and manage competing priorities.
• Experience managing diverse teams and comfort navigating complex, highly-matrixed organizations.
• Knowledge of the laws applicable to money laundering, including the Bank Secrecy Act, The USA PATRIOT Act, US Treasury AML guidelines, OFAC requirements, and Suspicious Activity Reporting requirements.

Additional Information

• In-depth understanding required of how the sub-function contributes to achieving the objectives of the function.
• Good understanding of the industry and direct competitors' products and services necessary to contribute to the commercial objectives of the business.
• Thorough understanding required of the strategic direction of the function within the relevant part of the business, combined with solid conceptual and practical grounding in both the function and area of expertise and related subject areas.
• Excellent communication skills required to negotiate internally, often at senior level.
• Some external communication and negotiation may be necessary.
• Responsible for executing functional strategy in area managed and determining approach to implementing functional strategy.
• Accountable for end results, budgeting, planning, policy formulation and contribution to future strategy of the area(s).
• Impact reflects size of team managed, strategic influence on the business and interaction with other functions or businesses.
• Shall be involved in or responsible for diverse cross-discipline activities.
• Citi is an equal opportunity employer and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.