Director - AML & Sanctions Compliance CEMEA

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

As a global payment system, Visa maintains global Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) and Sanctions Programs, established under formalized policies and procedures. This position is the subject matter expert role for AML, ATF and Sanctions related activities and will lead, oversee and ensure effective execution of those activities across the CEMEA region. The position is critical in sustaining Visa’s ethical culture and global Compliance Program.

Based in Dubai, the role reports into Visa’s Regional Ethics and Compliance Leader (RECL) with strong lines of communication and reporting to Visa’s Chief AML Compliance Officer (MLRO).  

Responsibilities:

• Lead the execution of Visa's AML/ATF and Sanctions Programs for CEMEA based clients and countries consistent with Visa's Global AML/ATF and Sanctions policies and procedures
• Coordinate closely with Regional Ethics & Compliance Officers (RECO), Business Development Managers and Product teams to ensure necessary client due diligence, product and case information is requested, received and assessed in a timely manner with a high degree of quality
• Lead or manage onsite client reviews conducted by Visa and/or by third parties as part of enhanced due diligence activities
• Conduct AML/ATF assessments of new products and services to identify and mitigate inherent AML, ATF and Sanctions risks
• Provide subject matter expertise, training and outreach to RECOs, Country Managers, Business Development Managers and Product teams in order to continually educate staff on AML/ATF and sanctions risks, issues, processes and controls
• Administer non-compliance measures, if required
• Ensure appropriate application of client, country and product risk ratings and monitor for changes in risk profile
• Participate in the ongoing enhancement and development of the Global AML/ATF and Sanctions policies and procedures as necessary to ensure changes in the regulatory and the business environment are addressed
• Participate in the enhancement and development of global systems in support of AML, ATF and Sanctions Program implementation
• Proactively identify and evaluate emerging regulatory trends and laws in markets of operation
• Coordinate with RECOs and Legal contacts to ensure adherence with obligations identified in emerging laws and regulations. Support internal audits and regulatory requests, ensure satisfactory resolution of any audit findings and recommendations
• Present information and discuss Visa’s AML, ATF and Sanctions Programs and industry best practices to clients and partners and lead discussions with regulators, as required
• Report periodically on program status and escalate issues to senior management
• Proactively identify potential compliance risk areas for CEMEA and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Lead cross functional projects in CEMEA requiring involvement of Compliance as the single point of contact

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

• 10 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree or 8 years of experience. An Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD or PhD) in management of AML/ATF and Sanctions programs and controls within the financial services industry is an added advantage
• AML/ATF or Sanctions accreditation required
• Fluent in either Arabic or French will be seen as an advantage.
• Sound knowledge on AML/ATF typologies and exposure to transaction monitoring applications/systems
• Good understanding of core pillars of an effective AML/ATF and Sanctions programs and appropriate legislation
• Ability to effectively collaborate and influence to lead cross-functional teams
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with an ability to explain complex compliance, business and technical concepts to broad audiences in an approachable way
• Solution oriented in approach to challenges in the region
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects/ initiatives to conclusion through multi-functional teams
• Some travel and extended business hours (conference calls) may be required

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.