Associate Manager AML

Role       : Associate Manager AML 
Location : Abu Dhabi                          

Role Purpose:

To ensure compliance and enhance efficiency through executing and monitoring transaction activity performed in branches& business departments.

The AML Associate Manager is responsible for the implementation of the Group-wide (including branches, subsidiaries, and ADIB Sudan, Iraq and Qatar) AML/CFT Program and Provide 'Subject Matter Expertise' (SME) advice, guidance and input on AML/CFT regulations including but not limited to writing AML/CFT Policy, Procedures and delivering training.

The role entails implementing the Group AML/CFT Policies and Procedures, periodic review of the AML/ CFT program, owning AML/CFT systems, and ensuring breach of applicable regulations are escalated to the Head of AML & Sanctions and Head of FCC on a timely basis. In the absence of Alert Manager acting as the backup for him/her.
    
Key Accountabilities of the role      

Supporting AML alert manager in implementation the Group’s Compliance strategy within the AML/CFT team’s remit in GCD and COC to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing departmental strategies.

1. Ensure Group AML/CFT policies and procedures remain updated, relevant, and communicated to all stakeholders.
2. Implementation of the AML/CFT program within the Group (including branches, subsidiaries, and international locations) to address current AML/CFT risks and remain sufficiently agile to manage anticipated future AML/CFT risks.
3. Conducting Level 3 AML investigation on cases identified and through other channels liked fraud, business and other external alerts (UAE central bank, other banks etc.).
4. Monitoring daily, weekly, and monthly AML Alert and case inventory and to ensure ALL alert analysis and case investigations are completed established service level agreements and regulatory time frames.
5. Conducting Level 3 AML investigation on cases identified and through other channels liked fraud, business and other external alerts (UAE central bank, other banks etc.). 
6. Ensure that COC and L3 teams are updated with latest changes in the regulatory landscape. 
7. Enhance, Review and Uplift existing procedures, policies, guidance’s in line with the regulatory requirements. 
8. Ensuring appropriate investigations, reporting, and controls are in place targeting each step of the investigative process workflow.
9. Monitoring individual and team level productivity to ensure Alerts are actioned within appropriate time frames.
10. Serving as Subject matter expert, coaching Associates and Investigators, motivating employees, providing mentor-ship and identifying continuing education training opportunities for the Team and individuals as well as promoting career progression initiatives for business, & Level 3 Team.
11. Reviewing high profile anti-money laundering investigations, requiring the utmost confidentiality, including, but not limited to terrorist financing, subpoenas, and litigation.
12. Managing individual performance evaluations throughout the year.
13. Ensuring that all investigations are completed timeously and accurate to the satisfaction.
     
14. Preparing ADHOK AML reports like EDD/ISTR/STR and reporting AML and fraud STRs to UAE central ban
15. Responding to enquiries from central bank and Liaise with business units for enquiries.
16. Ensuring that level 3 conduct investigations on current or prospective customers and third parties: this may include, but will not be limited to background reviews, negative news screening reviews, internet searches, and enhanced due diligence.
17.  Lead the Level 3 AML & CTF Alerts Investigation Team in providing positive, accurate and practical advice to all business and operations on all questions and issues.
18. Provide SME guidance / input to the business/ Branches on how to evaluate AML & CTF risks, how to escalate to GCD and on managing the suspicious transactions through Unusual Activity Report (UAR)
19. Improve the investigation of the cases and training the branches for providing the standard reply of the cases to reduce compliance risk. (Exhibits good training skills and trainings get translated into improvement of output by the branches). Identify process, control gaps, and suggest ways to improve.
20. Preparing suspicious transactions/activity reports (STRs) and other written investigative/intelligence products to support judgments, decision and recommendations.
21. Provide SME feedback to ensure Group AML/CFT policies and procedures remain updated, relevant, and conduct regular meetings with the business, COC and Level 3 to facilitate good communications and resolve any AML & CTF alerts/cases issues within the organization for various business areas.
22. In the absent of Alert manager work collectively with Head of AML & Sanctions Unit and Head of Financial Crime Compliance to develop and maintain a motivated and professionally trained staff, ensuring appropriate capacity planning, adherence to and improvement in performance and quality standards and appropriate career development.

In the absent of Alert manager assist Head of AML & Sanctions Unit on implementing organizational initiatives and other official matters, when required.
 

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:
 

• The candidate expected to have professional qualification or industry recognized certifications/diploma in AML/Compliance related fields like AAMs/ICS/ACFCS/FIBA etc.
• Exemplary knowledge and experience of scoping and managing the implementation of AML & CTF procedure and systems.
• Exemplary knowledge and experience of proving Subject Matter input for AML & CTF policies, processes, system ratings.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Regulations, Rules, International Compliance Standards & Best Practices such as FATF guidance, Basel recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of experience of having provided AML & CTF advice to all types of business and operations covering all types of relationships.
• Proven management and leadership skills.
• Strong knowledge of AML & CTF policy and procedures.
• Candidate should have strong inter-managerial communication skills and be used to dealing with Senior Managers.
• Good analytical/review/assessment skills of bank compliance procedures and IT systems.
• Ability to balance between compliance requirement & business needs.
• Ability to build constructive and effective relationships with peer and seniors.
• Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills
• Relationship building
• Sound judgment
• Strong interpersonal Skills 
• Ability to multi-task
• Independence of thought and initiative
• Ability to be self-starter and work independently as well as part of a team
• Demonstrated leadership & facilitation skills
• Ability interact with all functions and levels including senior management.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Good understanding of banking process and products.
• Analytical mind and good communication and self-motivated, detail oriented.
• Fluent in English (Ability to read and communicate in Arabic language will be an added advantage)
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)

Previous experience required (if any)    

Minimum of 5 years banking experience out of which 3 years should be in Compliance Department of a Financial Institution in a similar role. 

4+ years knowledge and experience in the investigation of white collar / economic crime (including reactive investigations and pro-active strategies)