Head of AML/CTF📣 إعلان

About Hala

Hala is a prominent fintech company operating across the MENAP region, dedicated to transforming financial services and building the future bank for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The company empowers SMEs by providing advanced financial and technological tools to support their business initiation, operation, and growth. Established in 2017, Hala holds multiple entities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, including Hala Payments and Hala Logistics, offering solutions that enable merchants to digitize payments and manage sales and operations. Hala is licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank.

Role Overview: Head of AML/CTF

Hala is seeking a Head of AML/CTF to join its team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role is critical in ensuring the company's adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) standards and regulatory obligations. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing, implementing, and overseeing robust compliance frameworks within a dynamic fintech environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define AML & CTF standards and ensure the implementation of local procedures.
• Contribute to the development and rollout of strategic initiatives, collaborating with project leadership, managers, and other team members to enhance efficiency and reduce compliance risks.
• Assist in developing compliance initiatives and programs to meet respective legal, licensing, and regulatory obligations.
• Support the management and execution of the monitoring and assessment program for Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF).
• Develop, improve, and maintain AML/CTF policies and procedures.
• Identify and cascade any changes related to legislation and other regulatory requirements concerning AML/CTF.
• Provide regular assistance and oversee the work performed by the Investigation team, acting as first-line monitors and investigators of suspicious activity.
• Ensure consistent and timely feedback on escalated cases.
• Perform accurate Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) as required by case investigations.
• Review Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to ensure accuracy and completeness as per FIU requirements before submission.
• Develop and participate in compliance programs and initiatives.
• Provide relevant compliance reporting to ensure the completion and proper analysis of suspicious activity reports.
• Ensure detailed and prompt investigation of all AML/CTF incidents and cases.
• Maintain a proper register of all STRs reported to the FIU.
• Perform ongoing and ad-hoc sampling of the AML/CFT team's work to ensure compliance with the company’s procedures and regulations.
• Oversee and implement an ongoing AML training program for other employees.
• Provide ongoing assistance, hands-on support, and on-the-job training to the AML/CFT team.
• Work directly with the Head of Financial Crimes to identify and escalate Money Laundering/Terrorism Financing (ML/TF) risks.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory and law enforcement bodies, including SAMA and the FIU.

Required Experience and Skills

• 5-10 years of professional experience in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) within the financial sector, preferably fintech.
• Demonstrated expertise in defining and implementing AML/CTF standards and local procedures.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain robust AML/CTF policies, procedures, and monitoring programs.
• Strong understanding of relevant legal, licensing, and regulatory obligations, particularly within Saudi Arabia (SAMA/FIU).
• Experience in overseeing investigations of suspicious activities and ensuring accurate reporting.
• Capability to provide guidance, training, and support to a dedicated AML/CFT team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills for liaising with internal teams and external regulatory bodies.

Collaboration and Reporting

The Head of AML/CTF will report directly to the Head of Financial Crimes. This role involves close collaboration with the internal Investigation team, providing oversight and guidance on suspicious activity monitoring. Additionally, the position requires maintaining effective relationships with key external regulatory and law enforcement bodies, including the Saudi Arabian Central Bank (SAMA) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Application Process

Candidates who meet the specified qualifications and are eager to contribute to a leading fintech environment are encouraged to apply.