Manager of Financial Crime Prevention

Role Overview

Manager of Financial Crime Prevention at GCGRA (General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority), headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The role supports the implementation and effective operation of GCGRA's financial crime prevention framework for the gaming sector.

Company Overview

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is the federal executive agency responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial gaming in the United Arab Emirates. Established by Federal Law by Decree and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, GCGRA holds exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE. The organization aims to drive sustainable growth by cultivating world-class commercial gaming operations and implementing efficient regulation, grounded in the principles of integrity, innovation, and responsible practices.

Role Purpose

This position oversees supervisory reviews, conducts risk assessments, evaluates operator AML/CFT controls, and provides subject-matter expertise across financial crime detection, reporting, enforcement support, and industry guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Framework Development

• Contribute to the implementation and ongoing enhancement of GCGRA's Financial Crime Prevention framework and supervisory strategy in line with national AML/CFT priorities and FATF standards.
• Support the drafting, review, and maintenance of AML/CFT-related policies, regulatory notices, guidance, and supervisory documentation.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess implications for the gaming supervisory framework, escalating material matters where required.

Risk Assessment & Analysis

• Conduct sectoral, thematic, and entity-level risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending proportionate mitigation measures.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of operators' AML/CFT frameworks, including CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, STR/SAR processes, and record-keeping controls.
• Prepare analytical reports, supervisory findings, and recommendations for management and relevant committees, ensuring clarity and sound regulatory judgement.

Reporting & Governance

• Maintain appropriate documentation and contribute to national-level reporting requirements and committee inputs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Guidance

• Provide clear and consistent guidance to licensed operators on AML/CFT obligations and supervisory expectations, promoting strong compliance culture.
• Support training and awareness initiatives for GCGRA staff and operators and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing activities.
• Provide clear and consistent communication with senior stakeholders, regulated entities, and multidisciplinary teams.

Supervisory Oversight

• Provide subject-matter support during supervisory reviews and act as a point of escalation for financial crime-related issues, recommending proportionate corrective actions where necessary.
• Stay informed of emerging financial crime typologies, technological developments, and sector-specific risks, contributing to continuous improvement of supervisory practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Significant experience in financial crime prevention, AML/CFT supervision, regulatory compliance, or related roles, preferably within a regulatory authority, financial institution, or regulated gaming environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in finance, law, criminology, economics, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with risk assessment methodologies, supervisory frameworks, and financial crime control environments.
• Strong working knowledge of UAE AML/CFT legislation, FATF Recommendations, and international best practices, with the ability to apply them using a risk-based supervisory approach.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and judgement skills, with the ability to assess complex risk scenarios and develop proportionate regulatory responses.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively with senior stakeholders, regulated entities, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, CFCS, or equivalent are desirable.