Compliance Officer

Company DescriptionCorpLex Corporate Services is a leading provider of specialized corporate services, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. The company supports entrepreneurs, families, and corporations in establishing, diversifying, and expanding their businesses within the UAE. With a focus on streamlining processes, CorpLex delivers top-tier expertise and services tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. The organization is committed to fostering growth, innovation, and excellence in corporate ventures across the region. Position SummaryThe Compliance Officer will oversee and manage the company’s compliance framework in accordance with UAE Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations applicable to DNFBPs. The role ensures full adherence to statutory obligations imposed by the UAE Ministry of Economy and other regulatory authorities, including risk assessment, customer due diligence, sanctions screening, suspicious activity reporting, and ongoing monitoring.Key Responsibilities1. AML/CFT ComplianceDevelop, implement, and maintain an effective AML/CFT compliance program aligned with UAE laws and DNFBP regulatory requirements.Conduct risk assessments for clients, transactions, and services, ensuring appropriate risk classification.Oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.Ensure proper documentation, verification, and retention of client identification records as per regulatory standards.2. Sanctions & ScreeningImplement and monitor sanctions screening systems for clients, beneficial owners, and transactions against relevant lists (UN, UAE Local Terrorist List, OFAC, etc.).Ensure timely updates of sanctions lists and escalate any potential matches for review.3. Monitoring & ReportingConduct ongoing monitoring of clients’ activities and company transactions to detect suspicious behavior.Prepare, file, and maintain Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) through the goAML platform.Maintain internal registers such as high-risk clients, PEP clients, STR/SAR logs, and training records.4. Policies, Procedures & Internal ControlsDraft, update, and enforce internal AML/CFT policies, procedures, and compliance manuals.Periodically review and test internal controls to ensure effectiveness and regulatory alignment.Advise management on compliance improvements and regulatory changes.5. Training & AwarenessDeliver regular AML/CFT training sessions for staff, including onboarding training and annual refresher training.Ensure employees understand their roles in identifying and escalating suspicious activities.6. Regulatory CoordinationAct as the primary point of contact for the Ministry of Economy and other UAE regulators.Ensure timely submissions of regulatory filings, risk assessments, and periodic reports.Coordinate audits, inspections, and compliance reviews by regulators.7. Record-Keeping & GovernanceMaintain all required AML/CFT documentation for the mandated retention periods.Report regularly to senior management on compliance risk, deficiencies, and improvement plans.Required Qualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Compliance, Criminology, or a related field.Master’s degree is an advantage.Professional Certifications (preferred / highly desirable)Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) – ACAMSICA Certificate/Diploma in AML or ComplianceCPD AML CertificationsUAE MOE AML Awareness & goAML Training CertificatesExperienceMinimum 3–5 years AML/CFT compliance experience, preferably within DNFBP sectors:Corporate services / company formationTrust & fiduciary servicesReal estate brokerage / property managementAccounting or auditing firmsExperience with goAML, sanctions screening systems, and risk-based compliance programs.Knowledge & SkillsStrong understanding of UAE AML/CFT lawsFamiliarity with customer onboarding and CDD/EDD processes.Knowledge of FATF recommendations and international compliance standards.Strong analytical, investigative, and report-writing skills.Excellent communication and stakeholder-management abilities.High ethical standards, discretion, and strong attention to detail.