Experience

e& money

• United Arab Emirates
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Head of Compliance

  • Mar 2021 - Present

  ● Managing AML/Regulatory Compliance framework including developing or enhancing Compliance AML/CTF policy and appropriate procedures to ensure compliance with Stored Values Facilities (SVF) Regulation, Retail Payment Services (RPS) Regulation, applicable AML/Compliance Laws and regulations, international sanctions regime & other regulations as applicable. ● Continuous monitoring from regulatory compliance perspective to ensure institution has the relevant approvals and licences in line with the business model, product/services being offered/to be offered. ● Managing Compliance/AML system including appropriate enhancements, implementing new version of AML system. In addition, implementing Anti-Fraud Tool. ● Worked closing with the Central Bank and external consultant ensuring compliance with latest Stored Value Facilities (SVF) regulation and upgraded organization’s PSP license to SVF licence, in addition obtained RPS license in line with Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes Regulation. ● Supervision around consumer/Merchant onboarding, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring. ● Worked with Business, IT, and product teams as a business partner to revamp the existing eKYC/Digitized onboarding process for consumers in line with regulatory requirements. ● Conducted AML Enterprise wide Risk Assessment (EWRA). ● Reviewing existing and new products/services or specific projects from Regulatory compliance and AML/Sanctions controls point of view and advise business as appropriate. ● Providing Compliance advisory to business and senior management related to Regulatory Compliance and Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) ● Managing Fraud Prevention & Investigation (FP&I) department conducting required investigations and take appropriate action. ● Being MLRO, managing all matter/requirements related to the Central Bank of the UAE as single point of contact and maintaining a healthy relationship with the regulator. ● To deliver Compliance and AML Training as appropriate. Show less



SK Business & Management Consultancy

• United Arab Emirates
• Business Consulting and Services

• Director, Compliance

  • Nov 2019 - Feb 2021

  ● Providing Compliance Consultancy and advisory services related to Regulatory Compliance and Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) to Financial Institutions and Designated Nonfinancial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) – reviewing their Regulatory, AML and Sanctions frameworks to assure compliance with applicable Laws, regulations, FATF recommendations and international best practices. ● Conducted Compliance, AML and Sanctions focused audits, reviews, or other special projects. ● Assisting firms (SME/Corporate) by setting up a compliance function (Transaction Screening, AML, and Sanctions advice) and promoting a strong compliance culture. Show less



Al Hilal Official

• United Arab Emirates
• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Associate Director, Head of Sanctions

  • Oct 2018 - Apr 2019

  ● Designed a new ‘Sanctions Compliance Program’ for UAE and Kazakhstan operations – making processes simple and effective to follow for the entire bank. ● Ensured compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations and sanctions regime, avoiding millions in possible financial fines and losses. ● Reformed and enhanced existing compliance policies and procedures – while ensuring correct implementation across the entire bank. ● Revamped the existing payment and name screening systems by eliminating inefficiencies, resulting in a dramatic reduction of false positives detected. Show less



Emirates Islamic

• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Head of Compliance

  • Oct 2015 - Aug 2018

  ● Strengthened compliance frameworks and systems (Customer and Transaction Screening, AML monitoring, FATCA, and CRS Compliance, etc.) across 60+ branches and departments of the bank. ● Integrated multiple AML / CTF / KYC programs in line with all local and international regulations (FATF, etc.) ● Assured adherence to the regulatory obligations, applicable laws, and international sanctions regime. As a result, avoided millions in fines and loss of the bank’s reputation. ● Oversaw the compliance monitoring framework according to the Compliance Monitoring Program (CMP) ● Conducted periodic and ongoing KYC reviews using a risk-based approach utilizing the customer’s risk profile and relevant triggered events. ● Ensured compliance of FATCA and CRS reports inline with local and international regulatory requirements. ● Initiated a sample-based quality assurance process for compliance activities that are outsourced, as well as in-house, resulting in even better than expected results. ● Facilitated the critical assessments and reviews conducted by the Central Bank on the AML and Sanctions framework – serving as their primary point of contact. Show less



Emirates NBD

• United Arab Emirates
• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Head of Compliance, Retail Banking and Emirates Money

  • Jun 2012 - Oct 2015

  During the time I held this position, Emirates NBD had become the largest banking group in the Middle East region – and was rapidly growing. I was awarded ‘Top Retail Compliance Partner’ for two of these years, 2012 and 2013. ● Transformed the entire Regulatory, AML and Sanctions frameworks in the Retail Bank and Emirates Money sectors of the bank – helping the bank grow exponentially by reducing inefficiencies.● Reviewed existing and new Retail Bank products/services to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.● Supervised transaction monitoring and critical investigations, ensuring submissions of STRs where applicable.● Overhauled the Obligations Register to contain concise expectations from the Bank, resulting in saved time and resources for the entire compliance department.● Coordinated and guided multiple teams on KYC remediation and data cleansing projects.● Coached over 1000 front line staff on the bank’s policies regarding AML, CTF and Sanctions. Show less

• Senior Manager Compliance, Retail Banking

  • Apr 2011 - Jun 2012

  ● Operated AML/Regulatory Compliance for the Priority, Business Banking and Retail Distribution sectors of the bank.● Introduced brand new Sanctions Screening, Product Review, and High-Risk customer on-boarding processes – resulting in a dramatic reduction of high-risk individuals exploiting the bank.● Implemented given AML systems across the Retail Banking sector, reducing turn around time by a huge percentage.● As a result of my initiatives for the bank, I received the awards “Top Compliance Business Partner” (2012) and “High Achievement in Operations and Compliance Support” (2011) – alongside monetary bonuses. Show less

• Compliance and Operations Manager

  • Feb 2008 - Mar 2011

  ● Restructured the operational processes in SME and Priority Banking centers by utilizing feedback from all unit heads and upper management.● Headed projects to implement various policies across SME and Priority Banking segments of the bank.



UBL - United Bank Limited

• Pakistan
• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Branch Operations Manager, Main Branch

  • Oct 2006 - Jan 2008

  ● Directed and mentored a team of 25 talented employees to assure better than expected performance of the branch.● Diagnosed and solved problems in the service delivery system – once fixed, considerably raised audit ratings.● Supervised all operational units in the branch to assure excellent customer service.

• Branch Manager

  • Sep 2001 - Sep 2006

• Operations Services Manager

  • Oct 2000 - Aug 2001



Habib Metropolitan Bank (Subsidiary of AG Zurich)

• Pakistan
• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Operations and Trade Finance Officer

  • Mar 1995 - Sep 2000