AML/CFT Monitoring Manager

About the Role

Hala is seeking an AML/CFT Monitoring Manager to join their team in Riyadh. This full-time role involves managing and enhancing the transaction monitoring framework to ensure timely detection, investigation, and escalation of suspicious activities in compliance with SAMA regulations and internal AML policies. The manager will oversee monitoring controls, alert management, quality assurance, and team performance to mitigate money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and operate the AML/CTF monitoring function end-to-end, including customer acceptance, KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, investigations, escalation, and ongoing risk management.
• Review customer onboarding and periodic KYC updates, obtaining necessary approvals for high-risk customers, PEPs, complex ownership structures, UBOs, and source of funds/wealth assessments, ensuring clear documentation.
• Design, maintain, review, test, and enhance transaction monitoring scenarios, rules, thresholds, and logic for effective detection of money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
• Oversee the alert handling and investigations lifecycle, ensuring timely review, sound analysis, proper documentation, and structured escalation of suspicious cases to the AML/CTF reporting function.
• Update customer risk ratings based on internal and external risk factors, changes in customer profiles, regulatory developments, and other material risk indicators, ensuring appropriate approvals and documentation.
• Lead AML/CTF risk assessments covering customers, products, services, delivery channels, geographic exposure, and Hala’s activities, ensuring alignment of monitoring and control measures with identified risk levels.
• Act as the primary AML/CTF advisor to internal stakeholders, providing guidance on initiatives, changes, and risk mitigation measures.
• Lead AML-related systems enhancements and data quality improvements in coordination with technology and operations teams, including automation and workflow optimization.
• Prepare and oversee periodic AML/CTF reports, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports, ensuring meaningful metrics and management information.
• Represent the organization in AML/CTF matters with regulators, internal audit, and external reviewers.
• Develop and execute the annual AML/CTF plan for the unit, including objectives, initiatives, and KPIs.
• Lead, manage, and develop the AML/CTF team through task allocation, workload management, performance evaluation, and targeted training.
• Continuously monitor regulatory developments and industry typologies, translating them into practical enhancements to AML/CTF policies, controls, and investigations.
• Perform additional AML/CTF-related duties as assigned by the Head of AML/CTF or MLRO.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 7+ years of experience in AML/CFT monitoring and compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in managing transaction monitoring frameworks and related investigations.
• Strong understanding of SAMA regulations and international AML policies.
• Experience in leading and developing a team.

Work Environment and Culture

Hala fosters an inclusive and diverse culture that supports innovation and flexibility across remote, in-office, and hybrid work arrangements. The company emphasizes personal development, offering regular training and an annual learning stipend. The team comprises over 30 nationalities working in 7 countries, providing exposure to a broad range of experiences.

Compensation and Benefits

Hala offers competitive compensation packages, which may include potential for shares. The company supports career growth in a fast-paced environment, providing autonomy, mentoring, and challenging goals.

Application Process

Candidates interested in this role are encouraged to apply to join a team focused on financial crime prevention within the fintech industry.