Compliance Officer & MLRO📣 Job Ad

Compliance Officer & MLRO: Investment Management

Change Recruitment is supporting an established international investment management business in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, seeking to appoint a Compliance Officer & MLRO. This is a full-time, senior local Compliance position responsible for ensuring the business operates in line with Capital Market Authority (CMA) requirements, wider regulatory obligations, and internal governance standards.

Role Scope and Impact

The successful individual will work closely with senior management across the local business, acting as a trusted adviser on regulatory matters while taking ownership of the local compliance framework. Beyond core Saudi Arabia responsibilities, the role offers exposure to wider regional activity and the opportunity to contribute to broader Compliance projects across the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain an effective Compliance framework aligned with CMA requirements, regulatory expectations, and relevant market practice.
• Act as the registered MLRO, taking responsibility for associated regulatory obligations.
• Provide practical Compliance advice to senior management and colleagues across the business.
• Interpret regulatory developments and assess their impact on the organisation.
• Support senior management in identifying, assessing, and managing Compliance and business risks.
• Develop appropriate Compliance policies, procedures, and governance arrangements.
• Support the delivery of Compliance and Risk training across the business.
• Act as a key point of contact for regulatory, Compliance, and risk-related queries.
• Proactively identify and assess Compliance and corporate risks arising from business activities.
• Assess Compliance implications relating to new products, new business activities, client relationships, and material changes to existing arrangements.
• Establish and maintain an appropriate Compliance Monitoring Programme.
• Work with relevant monitoring colleagues to ensure testing activity reflects regulatory requirements and the risk profile of the business.
• Report monitoring findings and significant Compliance matters to senior management.
• Act as a principal point of contact with the Capital Market Authority.
• Develop constructive relationships with relevant regulators, industry bodies, and other appropriate external stakeholders.
• Contribute to wider regional Compliance initiatives where required.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of five years' Financial Services experience, including meaningful Compliance or regulatory experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Saudi Arabian regulatory framework.
• Experience dealing with regulatory examinations, inspections, and supervisory requirements.
• The necessary CMA licences or authorisations required to undertake the position.
• Good understanding of the Asset Management or Investment Management industry.
• Experience within mutual funds, institutional investment management, or related investment products.
• Strong analytical skills and sound regulatory judgement.
• Confidence to provide practical technical guidance to senior stakeholders.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to build credible relationships across different business areas.
• Ability to manage competing priorities within a fast-paced environment.
• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken.

The Opportunity

This role presents an opportunity to assume a visible Compliance leadership position within an international investment business operating in the developing Saudi Arabian market. It offers genuine ownership of the local Compliance framework, direct exposure to senior management, and the chance to influence how regulatory requirements are embedded into the business. The position also provides broader regional exposure, allowing contributions beyond the Saudi entity while remaining closely connected to the local market.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.