Vice President and Head of Anti Money Laundering

About the Role:

As Vice President & Head of Anti-Money Laundering, you will spearhead RAKBANK’s enterprise-wide AML and CFT strategy, ensuring robust regulatory compliance and forward-looking risk management. You’ll serve as the key interface with regulatory authorities and law enforcement, while driving policy leadership, system optimization, and strategic AML initiatives.

Reporting to the EVP & Head of Financial Crime Compliance, you’ll collaborate closely with a team of eight seasoned professionals, united in strengthening the bank’s compliance culture and operational resilience.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Serve as the primary liaison with the FIU and CBUAE for all AML-related correspondence and regulatory matters.
• Oversee and approve STR/SAR submissions via GoAML, ensuring regulatory compliance and timely follow-up on FIU responses.
• Lead periodic updates to AML policies and procedures in alignment with evolving regulatory obligations and stakeholder expectations.
• Support senior management in proactive risk mitigation by identifying KRIs and enhancing enterprise risk monitoring frameworks.
• Direct and monitor Financial Crimes Systems implementation to optimize operational efficiency and ensure consistent application.
• Ensure timely execution and quality clearance of AML activities, meeting SLAs and tracking breaches for senior management reporting.
• Review and approve updates to AML system parameters and operational procedures, ensuring robust process controls.
• Ensure RAKBANK’s AML policy aligns with regulatory standards and advise group entities on AML/CFT procedural compliance.
• Collaborate with the Training team to develop and track annual AML training plans, including digital refreshers and offshore unit development.
• Stay current on AML/CFT typologies and trends, advising business units and senior management on emerging risks and regulatory shifts.
• Coordinate with law enforcement agencies to ensure timely and accurate execution of compliance-related instructions.
• Lead the AML team with a focus on Emiratization, staff productivity, and quality assurance, while ensuring effective communication with business units.

What We’re Looking For:

• Education:   Graduate with Professional Qualifications preferred, ACAM certification is a plus
• Experience: Minimum of 6 years’ experience in banks in Compliance function
• Industry:      Banking and Finance

• Proven leadership with the ability to manage diverse teams and mentor for results.
• Builds strong partnerships and collaborates across internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex AML issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong critical thinking skills with a track record of effectively resolving compliance challenges.
• Prioritizes high-impact tasks and ensures timely execution.
• Plans effectively with clear milestones and corrective actions.
• Builds and maintains effective internal and external networks.
• Capability to be able to effectively communicate with FIU, CBUAE and Law enforcement agencies.
• Deep knowledge of AML issues and typologies.
• Experienced in engaging with FIU, CBUAE, and law enforcement, etc.