Manager / Sr Manager - Transaction Monitoring

Job Purpose: To lead the transaction monitoring team in the detection and analysis of potentially suspicious transactions through systematic review of alerts, supporting the AML program’s effectiveness and regulatory compliance.Key Responsibilities:1. Transaction Monitoring & InvestigationReview and investigate alerts generated through AML monitoring systems in line with CBUAE, VARA, and SCA regulation and guidance.Leverage risk-based approach as per CBUAE guidelines for prioritizing alerts and ongoing monitoring.Apply enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk scenarios, including cases involving PEPs, virtual asset transactions, or cross-border activity as emphasized by VARA and SCA.Identify and investigate typologies highlighted by UAE regulators, such as: structuring (“smurfing”), Trade-based money laundering, Use of virtual assets in layering or obfuscation, Use of shell companies/funnel accounts etc.Ensure adherence to timeline requirements for reviewing and escalating alerts as specified by CBUAE (often 20 business days for STR/SAR).2. Suspicious Transaction/Activity Reporting (STR/SAR)Prepare and submit STRs/SARs in strict compliance with CBUAE, VARA, and SCA regulations, including full and accurate narrative, supporting evidence, and adherence to prescribed reporting channels (e.g., goAML).Support the ongoing development and calibration of detection scenarios in accordance with changes in regulatory expectation or emerging typologies notified by authorities.Maintain comprehensive records of all investigated alerts and reported cases for the minimum prescribed period (typically 5+ years, per UAE regulations).3. Governance, Policies, and TrainingEnsure AML/CTF policies and procedures are up-to-date with CBUAE, VARA, and SCA rules and regulatory updates.Deliver periodic training programs to the first line of defense on new regulations (including virtual asset compliance obligations), typologies, and best practices.Participate in regulatory thematic reviews or inspections, providing records and support as required.Perform gap analysis and contribute to regular FCC policy reviews to ensure alignment with new regulatory guidance or enforcement trends.4. Risk Assessment and Ongoing ControlsSupport the FCC unit in periodic ML/TF risk assessments as required by all three regulators.Utilize internal and external data to inform KYC refresh requirements according to entity and activity risk ranking (banking, securities, or virtual assets).Assist with implementing recommendations from regulatory inspection findings or internal/external audit reports.5. Confidentiality & RecordkeepingMaintain strict confidentiality in all investigations, with particular sensitivity to specific UAE privacy/data protection mandates.Assure all records (alerts, investigations, training logs, reports) are available for regulator or audit review.6. Other Regulatory ObligationsPromptly report any attempted regulatory breaches, sanctions, or suspicious customer behavior to the MLRO/CO in accordance with local law.Ensure compliance with CBUAE, VARA, and SCA’s requirements for escalation, including immediate reporting of critical matters (e.g., threshold triggers for virtual assets per VARA).Key Skills, Qualifications & Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Law, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. Master’s degree is an advantage.Certification in Anti-Money Laundering or Financial Crime Compliance (e.g., CAMS, ICA, CFE, CFCS).Additional certifications related to virtual assets or securities compliance (such as a VARA-recognized program) are advantageous.Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in AML, compliance, or financial crime investigation.Demonstrated track record leading AML monitoring teams in a banking, securities, or virtual asset environment.Experience in direct dealings with regulators (CBUAE, VARA, SCA) is preferred.Proficiency in transaction monitoring systems, KYC platforms, STR/SAR preparation (incl. goAML), and regulatory reporting.Skills in financial crime investigation, data analysis, and delivering training while ensuring confidentiality of sensitive case data.