Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director for Compliance, Financial Crime & Conduct Risk (CFCR) Advisory within the Wholesale and Retail Banking (WRB) division based in Dubai, UAE. This senior role reports directly to the Head of CFCR Advisory and plays a critical part in managing regulatory, compliance, conduct, and financial crime risks associated with the bank's WRB operations.

In this role, you will take on first-line accountability for delivering robust compliance oversight and control mechanisms across the WRB function, aligning closely with the Group's Strategic Enterprise Risk Management Framework. You will champion the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of compliance and financial crime prevention policies and controls, thereby strengthening the integrity and resilience of WRB activities.

With direct responsibility for the oversight of processes including those outsourced or hubbed, you will ensure adherence to operational risk frameworks and governance standards. Your insights will support risk appetite management and early identification of emerging risks or potential regulatory concerns, enabling swift escalation and decisive action by senior leadership.

This role requires exceptional advisory capabilities, a strategic mindset, and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple stakeholders to foster a strong risk and compliance culture within a complex and evolving banking environment.

Role Objectives

The Director will lead the CFCR Advisory efforts within WRB by developing strategies that mitigate financial crime risks, uphold the highest standards of conduct, and ensure full regulatory compliance. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders, providing timely and pragmatic guidance on regulatory developments and compliance challenges.

By partnering with various internal functions including legal, risk, and business units, you will streamline processes to embed compliance into day-to-day operations effectively. Your leadership will enable proactive management of risks and help sustain the bank’s reputation and operational soundness.

The ideal candidate will foster an environment where innovation and diligence coexist, encouraging continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration to meet the demands of a dynamic regulatory landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Head of CFCR Advisory to define, communicate, and implement the overarching CFCR strategy that supports both UAE and DIFC regulatory requirements and aligns with the bank’s global objectives.
• Collaboration and Alignment: Build and maintain strong partnerships with CFCR leads across various client segments and product teams to promote a unified, consistent approach to risk management under the One Bank philosophy.
• Process Design and Oversight: Lead the end-to-end design and ongoing refinement of compliance and financial crime prevention processes within WRB, including oversight of outsourced operations while ensuring compliance with group governance frameworks.
• Risk Identification and Reporting: Proactively identify emerging risks or potential regulatory breaches, facilitating timely escalation and transparent reporting to senior management and relevant governance bodies.
• Policy Implementation: Ensure rigorous application of CFCR policies across WRB, delivering compliance reviews, risk assessments, advisory services, and assurance activities tailored to business needs and regulatory expectations.
• Change and Project Leadership: Manage projects addressing regulatory changes and process improvements that enhance risk frameworks and operational resilience, driving a culture of continuous enhancement and agility.
• Regulatory Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison with UAE regulators for inspections and audits related to WRB, coordinating responses and ensuring comprehensive remediation of any identified findings.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver robust advisory support across the WRB function to ensure consistent application of compliance and financial crime controls.
• Ensure comprehensive risk assessments are performed and controls effectively mitigate identified risks.
• Maintain high standards of governance by overseeing compliance adherence to policies and procedures.
• Provide insightful and accurate risk reporting that supports informed decision-making by executive management.
• Lead training and awareness initiatives to embed a strong risk culture amongst business units.
• Champion collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to harmonize risk management practices and regulatory engagement.

Operational Excellence

Drive continuous improvement in compliance and financial crime risk management through innovative approaches and leveraging technology where possible. Foster a culture of operational excellence by implementing best practices, standardising workflows, and promoting accountability at all levels. Coordinate with technology and data teams to develop enhanced surveillance tools and reporting mechanisms that support proactive risk detection and mitigation.

Your role will encompass ensuring all CFCR initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and with measurable impact on risk reduction and operational effectiveness.

Risk Advisory and Governance

Provide expert advice and challenge to the WRB business on regulatory and compliance matters, financial crime risks, and conduct standards. Effectively translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business solutions that balance risk and opportunity. Participate actively in governance forums and working groups, ensuring alignment of WRB practices with group policies and regulatory expectations. Support the development and implementation of risk appetite frameworks and risk limits pertaining to compliance and financial crime risks.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Build and nurture strong relationships with key internal stakeholders including senior business leaders, risk and control functions, legal, and compliance teams, as well as external regulators and industry bodies. Act as a credible and trusted resource delivering sound advice and promoting transparency and proactive risk management. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to enhance overall risk governance and operational resilience.

Change and Transformation

Lead transformational initiatives that embed a sustainable and adaptable risk culture within WRB. Manage change effectively by aligning initiatives with business priorities while ensuring compliance requirements are met. Drive adoption of new regulatory frameworks and technology solutions that enhance efficiency and effectiveness of compliance processes. Support and mentor teams through change to ensure continuity and high performance.

Team Leadership and Development

Although this is not a direct people leadership role, you will play a key role in influencing and mentoring colleagues across the CFCR Advisory and broader risk teams. Promote continuous professional development by identifying learning needs and fostering a collaborative, supportive environment that encourages knowledge sharing and skills enhancement.

Your leadership will contribute to building a resilient, competent, and engaged risk community aligned with the bank's values and strategic objectives.

Compliance Culture and Ethical Standards

Champion integrity, ethical behaviour, and compliance with laws and regulations as foundational principles within the WRB division. Promote awareness and accountability regarding conduct risk and financial crime prevention. Embed risk and compliance awareness into all levels of the organisation, ensuring that all employees understand their responsibilities and uphold the highest standards.

Work Environment

This is a full-time office-based role located in Dubai, working within a highly dynamic and multicultural environment. You will engage with diverse teams and stakeholders across the UAE and the broader Middle East region.

Skills and Experience

• Significant experience in compliance, conduct risk, and financial crime management within a regulated banking environment, preferably with exposure to both wholesale and retail banking.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UAE and DIFC regulatory regimes, as well as relevant international standards and best practices.
• Proven track record in leading compliance frameworks, advisory functions, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills, comfortable interpreting complex regulatory requirements and translating them into actionable policies and procedures.
• Experience managing relationships with regulators and adept at responding to audits, inspections, and regulatory inquiries.
• Strong project leadership skills with the ability to implement change and manage multiple initiatives concurrently.
• Exceptional communication abilities, capable of conveying complex information clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences including senior executives.
• Collaborative working style with aptitude for influencing across functions and geographies in a matrix organisation.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will hold a relevant university degree supplemented by professional certifications such as Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) qualifications, or equivalent compliance and risk credentials.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English is essential to navigate regulatory communications effectively and engage with diverse stakeholders across the UAE.
• Additional academic or professional qualifications in law, finance, or risk management will be advantageous, alongside a demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development.

About Standard Chartered

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is a leading international bank with a rich heritage of over 170 years, deeply committed to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the communities we serve globally. Renowned for our innovative and agile approach, we continuously challenge the status quo to bring new solutions and drive meaningful change.

Our purpose is clear: to drive commerce and prosperity through our distinctive diversity and inclusive culture. We uphold values centred on integrity, innovation, and respect for differences, creating an empowering workplace where all colleagues feel valued and inspired to contribute to the organisation’s success.

Joining Standard Chartered means becoming part of a vibrant, diverse global community dedicated to making a positive impact and achieving excellence in everything we do.

What we offer

What We Offer

We offer a comprehensive and competitive remuneration package aligned with our Fair Pay Charter, designed to support the holistic wellbeing of our colleagues – mentally, physically, financially, and socially.

• Benefits: Inclusive of pension schemes, medical and life insurance, alongside flexible benefits tailored to individual and local needs.
• Generous Leave: Extensive leave options including parental and maternity leave of up to 20 weeks, sabbaticals up to 12 months, volunteer leave, and a minimum 30 days of combined annual and public holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options to support work-life integration encompassing office presence and remote work.
• Wellbeing Initiatives: Access to leading digital wellbeing tools such as Unmind, resilience development programmes, Employee Assistance Programmes, and focused mental health support.
• Learning and Development: Commitment to continuous learning through diverse training platforms to support career growth and skill advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: A values-driven, respectful workplace embracing diversity at all levels to empower every individual to reach their full potential.