Financial Crime Compliance Manager (1st & 2nd Line) - Payments | Dubai, UAE

Financial Crime Compliance Manager (1st & 2nd Line) - Payments

About the Organisation

A high-growth, international fintech operating across several markets-including Africa, Europe and North America-is expanding its compliance function as it scales. The organisation is technology-driven, with strong investment in AI-based compliance tools, agile processes, and a highly capable technical team.

It holds multiple payments-related licences and is in the process of securing additional regulatory approvals across several jurisdictions.

Role Overview

The Compliance Manager will support the Head of Compliance across a wide range of first-line and second-line activities. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced fintech environment, suitable for someone who is adaptable, proactive, and comfortable working across operational and strategic compliance tasks.

You will assist with policy development, licensing applications, risk assessments, oversight of monitoring systems, and general compliance operations.

Close daily collaboration with senior leadership is expected, and ongoing guidance will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

First-Line Compliance

• Support daily compliance operations including transaction monitoring and sanctions screening (AI-based systems).
• Escalate and document suspicious activity in line with AML requirements.
• Assist with CDD/EDD processes where needed. Second-Line Compliance
• Help draft, review and implement compliance policies and procedures.
• Support second-line monitoring and oversight activities.
• Assist in preparing documentation for regulatory submissions and licence applications across multiple jurisdictions.
• Participate in ongoing risk assessments and control evaluations. Licensing Support
• Contribute to regulatory applications in regions including the UK, Africa and North America.
• Assist with regulatory requirements for MLRO/Head of Compliance appointments.
• Support the build-out of compliance frameworks for new markets. Cross-Functional Work
• Collaborate with engineering and data teams on compliance processes and automation.
• Provide input on enhancements to AI-driven compliance systems.
• Interact with senior stakeholders during interviews, reviews and assessments.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• Strong background in first-line compliance (TM, sanctions, onboarding).
• Good understanding and practical exposure to second-line responsibilities (policies, oversight, governance).
• Experience in fintech, payments, remittance, EMI-style environments, or adjacent sectors. Preferred
• Experience working across both first and second line functions.
• Familiarity with multi-jurisdictional regulatory environments.
• Exposure to AI-driven compliance tools. Soft Skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Strong problem-solving ability and willingness to escalate when unsure.
• Proactive, adaptable and able to manage varied responsibilities.

Location Requirements

• Role must be based in Dubai for close collaboration with the Head of Compliance.
• Preference for candidates already in the UAE and settled locally (lower relocation risk).