AML & Sanctions Compliance Officer Job Description Template (Middle East & GCC)
AML & Sanctions Compliance Officers protect financial institutions, wealth managers, and crypto exchanges operating in GCC financial hubs (DIFC, ADGM, KAFD) against financial crimes. They oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD/EDD), investigate suspicious transactions, manage sanctions screening, and liaise with regulatory bodies including the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), DFSA, FSRA, and Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).
Job Title: AML & Sanctions Compliance Officer | Location: Dubai / Abu Dhabi / Riyadh | Job Type: Full-time / Expatriate Sponsorship
AML & Sanctions Compliance Officer Responsibilities and Duties in the GCC
- Conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on High-Net-Worth individuals, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and complex corporate entities.
- Monitor automated transaction monitoring systems (Fircosoft, Actimize, SAS AML) to identify suspicious patterns and money laundering risks.
- Investigate red flags and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) / Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) to Financial Intelligence Units (UAE goAML / Saudi FIU).
- Screen customers and transactions against international sanctions lists (OFAC, UN, EU, UK, and UAE National Terrorist List).
- Ensure strict compliance with CBUAE, DFSA, ADGM FSRA, and SAMA Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) regulations.
- Conduct annual enterprise-wide AML risk assessments and deliver compliance training to front-line staff.
Required Skills & Core Competencies
- AML / CFT Regulatory Frameworks (CBUAE, SAMA, DFSA, FATF)
- Transaction Monitoring & SAR/STR Filing (goAML Platform)
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) & PEP / Sanctions Screening (World-Check)
- Sanctions Compliance (OFAC, UN, EU)
- CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) Certification
Experience, Licensing & Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.
- CAMS (ACAMS) or ICA International Diploma in AML is mandatory.
- 4–8 years of AML compliance experience in a regulated bank, exchange house, or DIFC/ADGM entity.
- Thorough knowledge of FATF recommendations and UAE/KSA financial regulations.
Middle East Salary Benchmarks & Statutory Benefits
Tax-free monthly salary from AED 22,000 to AED 45,000, comprehensive medical insurance, annual return flight tickets, professional membership dues, and statutory EOSG.
Hiring, Visa Sponsorship & Selection Process
- Compliance case analysis and goAML filing scenario test
- Interview with Chief Compliance Officer / Head of Legal & Compliance
- Regulatory pre-approval and background screening
- Employment visa issuance and compliance officer registration