Financial Crime Compliance Manager (1st & 2nd Line) - Payments
At a glance
Manager-level Risk & Financial Compliance role at Capitex. Dubai.
Pay not stated Risk & Financial Compliance salary
financeroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Run daily transaction-monitoring and sanctions-screening work, recording and escalating suspicious activity under AML requirements
- Help with customer due diligence and enhanced checks, and contribute to first-line compliance operations
- Draft and put compliance policies into practice, while supporting oversight, monitoring and control reviews
- Prepare regulatory and licensing materials across jurisdictions, including applications and MLRO or compliance-lead appointments
- Work with engineering and data teams to improve compliance workflows and AI-based systems
What you bring
- Strong hands-on first-line experience in transaction monitoring, sanctions and customer onboarding
- Practical understanding of second-line work, including policy, oversight and governance responsibilities
- Experience in fintech, payments, remittance, EMI-style settings or a related sector
Who this fits
This manager role suits someone comfortable switching between operational compliance and policy, oversight and licensing work. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and the Head of Compliance. The role is based onsite in Dubai, with preference for candidates already living in the UAE.
From the employer
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).
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