Group Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) for the Middle East is IDBX's most senior compliance executive in the region, responsible for designing and executing a forward-looking compliance framework that meets (and anticipates) regulatory expectations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Levant, and wider MENA jurisdictions. Working from our regional hub in Dubai, you will safeguard IDBX's licence to operate, protect our brand, and embed a culture of integrity in every line of business.

Reporting Line

Direct: Global Chief Compliance Officer (HQ)

Matrix: Regional Chief Executive, Middle East

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Strategy & Engagement
• Maintain primary relationships with DFSA, FSRA, VARA, CB UAE, CMA (KSA), CBB (Bahrain), QFCRA (Qatar), and other key regulators.

• Track emerging rules (e.g., UAE Virtual Assets & ADGM Sustainable Finance frameworks) and translate them into actionable roadmaps.

• Lead regulatory exams, licence renewals, and ad-hoc inquiries.

2. Policy Governance
• Own all regional compliance policies (AML/CTF, sanctions, data privacy, consumer protection, ESG) and ensure alignment with IDBX global standards and FATF, OFAC, EU & UN requirements.

• Chair the Middle East Compliance Committee; escalate material issues to the Global Risk & Compliance Committee.

3. Controls & Monitoring
• Oversee transaction monitoring, KYC/CDD, and sanctions screening systems; set regional risk appetites and thresholds.

• Implement second-line testing programmes and thematic reviews; remediate findings within agreed SLAs.

4. Advisory & Training
• Provide real-time compliance advice to product, treasury, and digital-assets teams.

• Develop tailored training (English & Arabic) for senior management, front-line staff, and third-party agents.

• Champion a "speak-up" culture via robust whistle-blowing and investigation processes.

5. ESG & Conduct
• Embed IDBX's Code of Ethics, diversity & inclusion, and sustainable-finance principles in all regional initiatives.

• Lead due-diligence on charitable contributions and politically exposed person (PEP) engagements.

6. Reporting & KPIs
• Deliver quarterly Board packs covering regulatory change, breaches, enforcement trends, and training metrics.

• Maintain real-time dashboards on SARs, audit findings, customer complaints, and incident response.

Success Metrics (First 18 Months)

Zero regulatory enforcement actions or licence breaches.

Regulatory exam closure within 60 days with no high-severity findings.

100 % completion of mandatory training within 45 days of hire/anniversary.

≥ 90 % "culture of compliance" score in annual employee survey.

20 % year-on-year reduction in repeat audit issues.

Required Qualifications

15 + years' experience in compliance, risk, or legal roles within financial services or fintech; 5 + years at executive level.

Deep, hands-on knowledge of GCC regulatory regimes (DFSA, FSRA, VARA, CB UAE, CMA, CBB) and FATF-style AML frameworks.

Proven track record leading large-scale remediation programmes and regulatory examinations.

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Economics, or related field; Master's/JD or professional certification (e.g., ICA, CAMS, CISI) preferred.

Fluency in English; working Arabic highly desirable.

Ability to travel up to 30 % across the Middle East, Europe, and HQ locations.

Core Competencies

Strategic Foresight: Anticipates regulatory shifts 12–36 months ahead.

Influence & Communications: Adapts messaging for regulators, board members, and front-line staff.

Cultural Intelligence: Navigates diverse legal systems, business practices, and cultural norms across MENA.

Technological Acumen: Comfortable with RegTech, blockchain analytics, and data-privacy tooling.

Integrity & Courage: Speaks up and holds ground under commercial pressure.

Why IDBX

IDBX is a mission-driven, high-growth financial technology company committed to responsible innovation. As regional CCO you will shape the compliance agenda for next-generation products, build high-performing teams, and interface directly with regulators who are redefining global standards. If you're a proactive leader who sees compliance as a business enabler—not merely a control—this role offers the platform and autonomy to make a lasting impact.

IDBX Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

• Seniority levelExecutive

• Employment typeFull-time

• Job functionFinance and Sales
• IndustriesBanking

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