Compliance Manager, MLRO - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About Airwallex

Airwallex is revolutionizing global finance with its unified payments and financial platform. We empower over 200,000 businesses, including industry leaders like Brex, Rippling, and SHEIN, by providing seamlessly integrated solutions for business accounts, global payments, spend management, and treasury. Our unique infrastructure and software, coupled with a team of over 2,000 driven individuals across 26 global offices, make us a leader in the fintech space.

Backed by prominent investors such as T. Rowe Price, Visa, and Mastercard, and valued at US$8 billion, Airwallex offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of global banking. We seek ambitious, innovative thinkers ready to tackle complex challenges and build impactful solutions.

Role Overview

As Airwallex expands its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, we are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Compliance Manager & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for our UAE-licensed entity. This pivotal role will be based in Dubai and will report directly to the Regional Director of Financial Crime Compliance for EMEA. You will play a crucial role in driving and embedding Airwallex’s compliance programs across our UAE-licensed entities, ensuring adherence to local regulations and global best practices.

This dual-function role demands a deep understanding of AML/CFT regulations, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders. You will be the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, including the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), and will be responsible for managing all aspects of compliance within the UAE region.

A Day in the Life

Your daily responsibilities will be diverse and challenging, requiring a proactive and detail-oriented approach. Here's a glimpse into what a typical day might involve:

• Compliance Framework Management: Developing and maintaining the compliance framework for Airwallex's UAE entities, aligned with global standards.
• Regulatory Liaison: Serving as the primary contact for the DFSA and CBUAE, managing inquiries, examinations, and ad-hoc requests.
• AML Oversight: Overseeing day-to-day AML tasks, including EDD approvals, name screening alert escalations, and filing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs).
• Policy Development: Creating and updating AML and compliance policies and procedures to ensure they are effective and aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Risk Assessment: Conducting regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential compliance risks.
• Advisory Support: Providing expert advice to internal teams, including Commercial, Operations, and Technology, on compliance matters.
• Training: Developing and delivering compliance training programs to employees to raise awareness and ensure adherence to policies.
• Monitoring & Testing: Monitoring the effectiveness of compliance controls and conducting regular testing to identify areas for improvement.
• Investigation: Investigating and resolving compliance breaches and incidents.
• Reporting: Preparing and submitting regulatory reports to the DFSA and CBUAE in a timely and accurate manner.

Why Dubai, United Arab Emirates?

Dubai is a global hub for finance and innovation, offering a dynamic and thriving business environment. It is a strategic location for Airwallex's expansion in the MENA region, providing access to a diverse talent pool and a supportive regulatory framework. Working in Dubai allows you to be at the forefront of fintech innovation and contribute to Airwallex's growth in a key market.

Career Path

This role offers significant career growth potential within Airwallex's global compliance team. You can progress to roles with increased responsibility, such as Regional Compliance Director or Global Head of Compliance. Additionally, your experience in a regulated environment like the UAE will be highly valuable for future opportunities within the company.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated salary range for this role in Dubai is between $140,000 and $220,000 USD per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, Airwallex offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, employee stock options, and performance-based bonuses.

Airwallex Culture

At Airwallex, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We value individuals who are proactive, results-oriented, and passionate about building the future of global finance. We encourage our employees to take ownership of their work, challenge the status quo, and contribute to a positive and supportive work environment.

How to Apply

If you are a highly motivated and experienced compliance professional with a passion for fintech, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Compliance Manager, MLRO? The key responsibilities include developing the compliance framework, serving as the primary regulatory contact, managing AML tasks, and ensuring compliance with UAE regulations.
2. What qualifications are required for this role? The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a compliance role within the financial services industry, extensive knowledge of AML/CFT regulations, and experience dealing with regulatory bodies like the DFSA and CBUAE.
3. What is the salary range for this position? The estimated salary range for this role in Dubai is between $140,000 and $220,000 USD per year.
4. What benefits does Airwallex offer? Airwallex offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, employee stock options, and performance-based bonuses.
5. What is the company culture like at Airwallex? Airwallex fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We value individuals who are proactive, results-oriented, and passionate about building the future of global finance.
6. What is the career path for this role? This role offers significant career growth potential within Airwallex's global compliance team, with opportunities to progress to roles with increased responsibility.
7. What is the work environment like in Dubai? Dubai is a global hub for finance and innovation, offering a dynamic and thriving business environment.
8. Does Airwallex provide relocation assistance? Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
9. Does Airwallex provide visa sponsorship? Visa sponsorship may be available for qualified candidates.
10. What is the application process? Please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal.