Head of Anti Money Laundering (AML)

About Tamara

Tamara is a leading fintech platform in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region, focused on building a customer-centric financial super-app. The company serves millions of users and partners with major global and regional brands, as well as small and medium businesses. Tamara is Saudi Arabia's first fintech unicorn, backed by Sanabil Investments (a wholly owned company by the Public Investment Fund), SNB Capital, and *********, among others. The company operates from its headquarters in Riyadh, with additional regional and global support offices.

The Role of Head of AML

Tamara is seeking a Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) to lead and manage the overall operations and responsibilities of the AML/CTF Department. This full-time position, based in Riyadh, requires 5-10 years of experience. The Head of AML will report administratively to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and functionally to the Audit Committee. The primary responsibility is to develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing (AML/CTF/PF) framework in Saudi Arabia, ensuring compliance with local laws and SAMA requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, monitor, and enhance the company’s AML/CTF/PF framework and controls to ensure effectiveness and regulatory alignment.
• Lead and oversee the AML/CTF Unit’s activities, ensuring effective performance and prompt resolution of control or process deficiencies.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically review AML/CTF/PF policies, procedures, standards, and operating controls.
• Oversee the identification and assessment of financial crime risks across customers, products, services, transactions, and geographic exposure.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, providing guidance on AML/CTF/PF risks, regulatory requirements, and new initiatives.
• Oversee sanctions, Targeted Financial Sanctions, and politically exposed person screening controls, including investigations, escalations, and reporting.
• Provide regular reports to the CEO and Audit Committee on AML/CTF/PF risk exposure, control effectiveness, and remediation actions.
• Oversee transaction monitoring mechanisms, ensuring effective rule tuning, threshold settings, and scenario management.
• Ensure appropriate investigation of unusual activities and accurate, confidential, and timely submission of suspicious transaction reports to the Saudi Financial Intelligence Unit.
• Act as the primary contact for AML/CTF/PF matters, coordinating responses to requests and inquiries from SAMA, SAFIU, and other authorities.
• Manage and develop the AML/CTF team, establishing clear responsibilities and ensuring adequate resources and capabilities.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 6-10 years of relevant experience in Anti-Money Laundering.
• Relevant professional certification, such as CAMS, an ICA qualification, or an equivalent financial-crime compliance certification.
• Previous approval or pre-approval by SAMA is highly desirable, but not mandatory.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based at Tamara's headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role involves working closely with business and control functions to manage financial crime risks and promote a strong culture of compliance across the company.