Associate Manager AML

Associate Manager AML

Role : Associate Manager AML

Location : Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose : To ensure compliance and enhance efficiency through executing and monitoring transaction activity performed in branches and business departments.

The AML Associate Manager is responsible for the implementation of the Group-wide AML / CFT Program (including branches, subsidiaries, and ADIB Sudan, Iraq and Qatar) and providing Subject Matter Expert (SME) advice, guidance and input on AML / CFT regulations, including but not limited to writing AML / CFT Policy, Procedures and delivering training.

The role entails implementing the Group AML / CFT Policies and Procedures, periodic review of the AML / CFT program, owning AML / CFT systems, and ensuring breaches of applicable regulations are escalated to the Head of AML & Sanctions and Head of FCC on a timely basis. In the absence of the Alert Manager, acting as the backup.

• Support the AML alert manager in implementing the Group's compliance strategy within the AML / CFT team's remit in GCD and COC to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing departmental strategies.
• Ensure Group AML / CFT policies and procedures remain updated, relevant, and communicated to all stakeholders.
• Implement the AML / CFT program within the Group (including branches, subsidiaries, and international locations) to address current AML / CFT risks and remain agile to manage anticipated future AML / CFT risks.
• Conduct Level 3 AML investigations on cases identified through other channels like fraud, business and external alerts (UAE central bank, other banks, etc.).
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly AML alert and case inventory to ensure alert analysis and case investigations are completed within established SLAs and regulatory timeframes.
• Ensure that COC and Level 3 teams are updated with the latest changes in the regulatory landscape.
• Enhance, review and uplift existing procedures, policies, and guidance in line with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure investigations, reporting, and controls are in place targeting each step of the investigative process workflow.
• Monitor individual and team productivity to ensure alerts are actioned within appropriate time frames.
• Serve as SME, coaching Associates and Investigators, providing mentorship and identifying continuing education opportunities for the team and promoting career progression initiatives for business and Level 3 Team.
• Review high-profile AML investigations with utmost confidentiality, including terrorist financing, subpoenas, and litigation as applicable.
• Manage individual performance evaluations throughout the year.
• Ensure investigations are completed timely and accurately to the required standard.
• Prepare ADHOK AML reports such as EDD / ISTR / STR and report AML and fraud STRs to UAE central bank.
• Respond to enquiries from the central bank and liaise with business units for enquiries.
• Ensure Level 3 conduct investigations on current or prospective customers and third parties, including background reviews, negative news screening, internet searches, and enhanced due diligence.
• Lead the Level 3 AML & CTF Alerts Investigation Team in providing positive, accurate and practical advice to all business and operations on questions and issues.
• Provide SME guidance to evaluate AML & CTF risks, advise on escalation to GCD, and manage suspicious transactions through Unusual Activity Reports (UAR).
• Improve investigation quality and train branches to provide standard replies to reduce compliance risk; identify process and control gaps and suggest improvements.
• Prepare suspicious transaction/activity reports (STRs) and other investigative products to support judgments and recommendations.
• Provide SME feedback to ensure Group AML / CFT policies remain updated and relevant; conduct regular meetings with the business, COC and Level 3 to facilitate communications and resolve AML & CTF issues.
• In the absence of the Alert Manager, work with the Head of AML & Sanctions Unit and Head of Financial Crime Compliance to develop and maintain a motivated, professionally trained staff, ensuring capacity planning and adherence to performance and quality standards.

In the absence of the Alert Manager, assist Head of AML & Sanctions Unit on organizational initiatives and other official matters when required.

• Professional qualification or industry-recognized certifications in AML compliance (e.g., AML/CS, AAMs, ICS, ACFCS, FIBA, etc.).
• Experience in scoping and managing the implementation of AML & CTF procedures and systems.
• Experience providing SME input for AML & CTF policies, processes, and system ratings.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulations, rules, international standards, and best practices (e.g., FATF guidance, Basel standards).
• Experience advising various business lines on AML & CTF matters across relationships.
• Proven management and leadership skills.
• Strong knowledge of AML & CTF policy and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and inter-managerial communication skills; comfortable dealing with senior managers.
• Analytical, review and assessment skills for compliance procedures and IT systems.
• Ability to balance compliance requirements with business needs and to build constructive relationships with peers and seniors.
• Fluent in English; reading/communication in Arabic is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Minimum requirements: Minimum of 5 years banking experience, of which 3 years should be in the compliance department of a financial institution in a similar role. 4+ years knowledge and experience in the investigation of white-collar / economic crime (including reactive investigations and proactive strategies).

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