About the Role
An international financial services group is seeking a highly experienced Deputy Group MLRO to support the oversight, governance, and continuous enhancement of its anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions, KYC, and broader financial crime framework. Based in Bahrain, this senior compliance role works closely with the Group MLRO to ensure the organization meets global regulatory standards and mitigates financial crime risk effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Group MLRO in developing, implementing, and maintaining the group-wide AML/CFT and sanctions compliance program.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the financial crime compliance function, including transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and client due diligence (CDD/EDD).
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify emerging money laundering and terrorist financing threats and recommend mitigating controls.
- Prepare and submit regulatory reports to the Central Bank of Bahrain and other relevant authorities as required.
- Lead and mentor the compliance team, ensuring robust training and professional development in AML, sanctions, and financial crime prevention.
- Collaborate with business units to embed a strong compliance culture and provide advisory support on new products, markets, and partnerships.
- Review and enhance group-wide policies, procedures, and systems to align with evolving local and international regulations (e.g., FATF recommendations, Bahrain AML Law).
- Coordinate internal and external audits related to financial crime compliance and manage remediation actions.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum 7–10 years in AML/CFT compliance within financial services, with at least 3 years in a managerial or deputy MLRO role.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of Bahrain’s regulatory framework, including CBB Rulebook Volume 4 (AML/CFT), and familiarity with global standards (FATF, OFAC sanctions).
- Certifications: Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA Diploma, or equivalent are strongly preferred.
- Skills: Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills; ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive compliance initiatives.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required; Arabic language skills are a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with group-level compliance in a multinational financial institution.
- Proven track record in managing regulatory inspections and implementing AML technology solutions.
- Knowledge of sanctions screening systems (e.g., World-Check, LexisNexis) and transaction monitoring platforms.
Why Join
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the financial crime defense strategy of a global group from a key regional hub in Bahrain. You will work in a dynamic, multicultural environment with exposure to diverse jurisdictions and regulatory bodies. The position provides a competitive compensation package and the chance to lead a high-impact compliance team.