Job Summary

Role Overview

This pivotal role is responsible for leading the Country Governance function to uphold the highest standards of compliance within the UAE and DIFC jurisdictions. You will ensure that the Bank's operations align with regulatory requirements and internal policies, fostering a culture grounded in ethical conduct and regulatory integrity. Acting as a central liaison, you will develop and maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies, ensuring proactive engagement and consistent communication. By keeping abreast of evolving regulations, you will guide stakeholders across the Bank to anticipate and adapt to regulatory changes, ensuring sustainable compliance. This role demands a strategic mindset, balancing business objectives with rigorous compliance frameworks to protect the Bank’s reputation and operational resilience.

In this capacity, you will champion the "Here for good" culture, embedding the Group Code of Conduct throughout all levels of the organisation. You will facilitate the dissemination of regulatory updates, enabling informed decision-making that aligns with current and future regulatory landscapes. Your efforts will help shape policies that mitigate risk while supporting business growth and innovation within the regulatory framework.

Key Responsibilities

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive compliance policies, processes, and directives that align with regulatory expectations and Group standards, securing all necessary approvals through governance committees.
• Lead the preparation and coordination for regulatory examinations and inspections, ensuring timely and accurate responses from relevant business units.
• Provide governance oversight to ensure effective implementation of Conduct, Financial Crime & Compliance (CFCC) policies, monitoring adherence and recommending enhancements where necessary.
• Offer expert advice to business and functional areas on interpreting and applying regulatory standards and internal controls related to CFCC.
• Proactively track and assess regulatory developments, analysing their potential impact on banking operations within the country and advising senior stakeholders accordingly.
• Set control standards to manage risks effectively and support the design of mitigation measures in response to emerging risks or regulatory requirements.
• Oversee administrative and licensing obligations to maintain regulatory authorisations in compliance with local regulations.
• In cases of serious breaches or risk tolerance exceedances, coordinate critical response activities, ensuring transparency with senior management and regulators and facilitating swift remediation.
• Monitor findings from audits, regulatory inspections, and internal assurance activities, driving the closure of issues and embedding lessons learned across the organisation.
• Collaborate with operational risk and control functions to support quality assurance, control checks, and the management of relevant audits and examinations.

Skills and Experience

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in managing Conduct and Financial Crime compliance within a regulated financial institution, preferably within banking.
• Strong regulatory knowledge relevant to CFCC standards, including anti-money laundering, fraud prevention, and conduct risk management.
• Experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with regulators and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement compliance policies, procedures, and control frameworks aligned with complex regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret regulatory expectations and translate them into practical business solutions.
• Proficiency in managing change and driving compliance-related projects across multiple business units.
• Strong communication and advisory skills, capable of influencing senior management and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Effective leadership of teams with commitment to developing talent and fostering inclusion.

Qualifications

Educational and Professional Qualifications

• Academic qualifications such as LLB, MBL, or a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Economics, Finance, or a related discipline are highly desirable.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or equivalent are advantageous.
• Completion of relevant internal and external training programs focused on compliance, regulatory affairs, and financial crime prevention.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory, with effective written and verbal communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.

About Standard Chartered

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is a leading international bank with a 170-year heritage, recognised for driving commerce and prosperity across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Our commitment to being "Here for good" is reflected through our inclusive culture, innovative spirit, and strong values rooted in integrity and respect. We embrace diversity as a core strength and empower our people to achieve their full potential in a supportive and ethical environment.

Joining Standard Chartered means becoming part of a global team that challenges the status quo, encourages bold thinking, and strives to make a positive difference in the communities we serve. We believe in being better together, valuing each individual’s uniqueness and fostering collaboration to deliver exceptional results for our clients and stakeholders.

What we offer

What We Offer

By joining Standard Chartered, you will experience a rewarding career supported by a comprehensive and competitive package designed to foster your overall wellbeing and professional growth.

• Competitive salary and benefits: In alignment with our Fair Pay Charter, inclusive of retirement savings plans, comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage, with flexible benefit options tailored to your needs.
• Generous time-off provisions: Including minimum 30 days combined annual and public holidays, extended parental leave, sabbatical opportunities up to 12 months, and allocated volunteering leave.
• Flexible working arrangements: Balancing office presence with remote capabilities to support your work-life harmony.
• Wellbeing initiatives: Access to market-leading digital wellbeing platforms, mental health support programs, resilience-building courses, and employee assistance resources.
• Commitment to continuous learning: Opportunities for skill enhancement and career development through varied learning modalities including digital and in-person training.
• Inclusive culture: A values-driven workplace where diversity is celebrated, equity is championed, and everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully.