Overview
Head of Compliance & MLRO – Dubai ( DIFC ) Jobs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at ING
Title: Head of Compliance & MLRO – Dubai ( DIFC )
Company: ING
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
We are currently seeking an experienced Head of Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to lead the compliance function for our Dubai (DIFC) branch.
This is a senior, standalone role requiring a high‑calibre professional with deep local regulatory knowledge and the confidence to operate independently in a regulated wholesale banking environment.
The Role
This position combines Head of Compliance and MLRO responsibilities and plays a critical role in safeguarding the business and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with the regulator.
You will:
- Act as Head of Compliance and MLRO for the Dubai branch
- Serve as the primary point of contact with the DFSA
- Ensure compliance with DFSA rules, UAE regulations, and internal policies
- Oversee regulatory reporting, risk assessments, and control frameworks
- Advise the business on onboarding, KYC, UBO structures, and complex ownership models
- Provide pragmatic, culturally aware compliance guidance in a Middle East context
- Support a wholesale banking model where clients are originated locally and booked internationally.
- Locally reporting into the Senior Executive Officer (SEO) and functionally reporting into the Head of Compliance EMEA
This role has no direct reports and requires a strong self‑starter who can operate with authority, independence, and sound judgement.
Key Requirements
Essential:
- DFSA authorized individual with experience working with the DFSA
- Current or prior experience in the UAE / Middle East Senior compliance experience within Wholesale Bank
- Proven experience acting as MLRO
- Strong understanding of complex ownership structures and locally sensitive KYC requirements
- Ability to operate confidently as a registered senior compliance officer
Highly Preferred:
- Experience within the DIFC
- Background with international banks operating in the Middle East
Posting window: Limited time only.
Please note: This role is not suitable for candidates seeking their first move into the Middle East or without DFSA exposure.