Head of AML

Role : Head of AML

Location : Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose:

he Head of AML– MLRO is responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of the Groupwide (including branches, subsidiaries, and ADIB Sudan, Iraq and Qatar compliance program relating to AML/CTF, laws and regulations. The role entails overseeing the Group Compliance AML/CTF policies & procedures, periodic review of the AML/CTF program, owning AML transaction monitoring systems, and ensuring the escalation of of applicable AML/CTF compliance breaches

Key Accountabilities of the role

Strategic Contribution

• Ensure effective implementation of the Group's Compliance strategy within the AML team's remit in GCD and Compliance Operations Center (COC) to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing departmental strategies.

People Management

• Manage and lead the AML team by setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximise performance.

• Support the Compliance Governance & Assurance team in acting as an SME on developing and delivering AML related training.

• Provide guidance and on the job training for junior colleagues and conduct knowledge sharing sessions for GCD and COC teams.

• Act as a role model to direct and indirect reports to drive adherence to organisational values and ethics and foster a value-driven culture within the Group.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Provide necessary input and recommend the AML team's budget to Global Head of FCC and monitor adherence to budget, while ensuring all sectional activities are conducted in line with the approved guidelines.

AML/CFT Framework

• Ensure Group AML/CTF policies and procedures remain updated, relevant, and communicated to all stakeholders.

• Oversee the Group's compliance with AML/CTF policies, procedures, and processes.

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvements to AML related systems, processes, and practices based on risks and control deficiencies identified.

AML/CTF Oversight

• Act as ADIB's Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) registered with the CBUAE and Support in the Preparation of the MLRO report as required by CBUAE regulation.

• Review STRs and support the Global Head of FCC in deciding on reporting STRs to the CBUAE.

• Oversee the detection, investigation, and reporting of suspicious transactions to relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with legal obligations under AML laws.

• Oversee the implementation of the AML/CTF program within the Group (including branches, subsidiaries, and international locations) to address current AML/CTF and remain sufficiently agile to manage anticipated future AML/CTF..

• Keep abreast of related laws, regulations, and best practices pertaining to AML/CTF and assess its impact on ADIB Group. For International branches and subsidiaries, work with Head of IBG Compliance and local MLRO's to keep the AML/CTF program updated in line with the local laws and regulations.

• Ensure to have effective oversight on the Compliance Operations Center functions for AML in respect of;

• Team performance and productivity.

• Review QA results and take necessary actions to remediate failed cases including identifying root causes.

• Review MIS reports and attend governance calls and take remdial actions on any identified issues.

• Develop and strengthen relationships to promote best practices and ensure a good understanding of AML requirements across the Group.

• Ensure the sound maintenance of the Financial Crime Risk Assessment (FCRA) methodology

• Ensure that all AML/CTF are appropriately identified through risk assessments (FCRA and RCSA) performed across Business units and the Compliance function.

• Ensure that violations of AML/CTF policies and procedures are appropriately identified and escalated.

• Oversee the management and investigation of alerts generated by transaction monitoring systems and approve/reject escalated instances.

• Ensure that the Global Head of FCC, Group Head of Compliance, and the Group's Senior Management are well informed of critical AML compliance plans, initiatives, escalations, and issues.

Support the Global Head of FCC in actively building relationships and engaging AML regulators with jurisdictions over ADIB.

• Provide advisory services on escalated issues related to AML/CTF & Sanctions, trade transactions, inward/outward remittances, etc. to other Compliance functions and Business units across the ADIB Group.

• Monitor account closures following the decision to exit for AML reasons. • Act as an AML SME for the new product review process.

• Ensure sound relationship and response of Correspondent Banks queries on a timely basis.

• Provide advisory and inputs on CBUAE queries related to previously filed STRs.

• Ensure requests from the CBUAE to search/freeze/ close accounts are executed promptly.

• Act as an SME on the periodic review and testing of the customer risk assessment model and rating methodology. Compliance Systems

• Ensure the sound implementation of AML transaction monitoring systems and oversee its effectiveness to support operational controls, including acting as an SME to define system requirements, parameters, scenarios, logic, and underlying models groupwide

• Co-ordinate with the FCC Technology team to ensure AML/CTF related monitoring remains up-todate and meet regulatory requirements.

• Support in carrying out UATs for new/updated AML/CTF systems, functionalities, and upgrades.

• Act as an SME on the periodic review and testing of AML/CTF systems.

• Act as SME providing AML/CTF support and advisory groupwide

• Ensure timely remediation of gaps identified in RCSA, internal/external audits, regulator's supervisory audits related to AML/CTF & Sanctions.

• Lead/participate in AML/CTF related projects as per the project guidelines set by the Compliance Governance and Assurance team.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:

• Master's Degree in Science, Finance, Business, or a related subject. ACAMS certification or equivalent.

• 12+ years of FCC experience focussing on AML/CTF gained at a top tier international bank, which includes 5+ years of experience managing large and complex AML/CTF teams.

• Experience in advising or working in a Compliance function with a focus on delivering a robust AML/CTF compliance program.

• Strong track record in dealing and managing regulators and other stakeholders.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with impact, build healthy professional connections, influence outcomes, simplify complex topics into actionable recommendations for decision-making.

• Exceptional knowledge of all aspects of AML/CTF, and the relevant regulatory requirements.

• Ability to perform innovative thinking to solve complex problems with no established precedence while balancing risk, speed, and accuracy.