Head of Compliance - Vice President

MUFG, a globally respected financial institution, is seeking a Head of Compliance for its Riyadh Branch in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape and safeguard the compliance culture at one of the world’s leading banks, ensuring strict adherence to SAMA regulations and international best practices. As the Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), you will be instrumental in protecting MUFG’s reputation, supporting business growth, and fostering a collaborative environment where regulatory excellence is paramount. You will work closely with senior management locally and regionally, lead a dedicated team, and play a key part in global compliance initiatives. If you are passionate about upholding integrity, driving continuous improvement, and nurturing talent within a supportive and inclusive workplace, this is your chance to make a significant impact.

What you'll do:

• Oversee the identification, assessment, and management of all compliance risks related to the bank’s operations in accordance with SAMA regulations and internal policies.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update comprehensive compliance programmes that address legal requirements, regulatory changes, and industry standards.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory authorities including SAMA; manage regulatory examinations and ensure timely responses to all requests or directives.
• Lead anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) efforts by monitoring transactions, investigating suspicious activities, reporting findings to relevant authorities, and maintaining robust records.
• Draft new policies and procedures from scratch as required; review existing documentation to ensure ongoing alignment with evolving laws and best practices.
• Educate staff at all levels on compliance matters through tailored training programmes that respond dynamically to emerging issues or regulatory updates.
• Prepare detailed reports for senior management and committees on compliance status, risk assessments, violations identified, corrective actions taken, and training outcomes.
• Collaborate with global compliance divisions in Tokyo and London on cross-border projects; roll out global initiatives locally while ensuring cultural sensitivity and local relevance.
• Support recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development for direct reports within the compliance function.
• Represent MUFG at external events such as conferences or seminars; build networks with peer institutions to share knowledge on current issues affecting the compliance landscape.

What you bring:

• Extensive experience working within banking compliance functions in KSA—at least five years’ proven track record is essential for success in this role.
• Deep understanding of SAMA regulatory frameworks combined with practical expertise in implementing local banking laws and international standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage anti-money laundering (AML) controls including transaction monitoring, investigation of suspicious activities, reporting obligations, and database maintenance.
• Experience drafting comprehensive policies from inception as well as reviewing contracts or marketing materials for regulatory conformity.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to collaborate effectively across departments while building strong relationships with regulators or external auditors.
• Proven capability in leading teams: setting objectives, conducting performance reviews, mentoring junior staff members, and fostering an inclusive environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English—essential for preparing reports or delivering training sessions across diverse audiences.
• Strong organisational abilities allowing you to plan strategically while responding flexibly to urgent priorities or changing regulatory landscapes.
• A calm approach under pressure coupled with excellent attention to detail ensures accuracy even when managing large workloads or tight deadlines.
• Personal alignment with MUFG’s core values: integrity & responsibility; professionalism & teamwork; client centricity; people focus; openness; innovation; execution.

What sets this company apart:

MUFG stands out as one of the world’s most trusted financial groups—a reputation built on more than 360 years of history serving clients across continents. In joining MUFG’s Riyadh Branch as Head of Compliance, you become part of an organisation renowned for its commitment to integrity, responsibility, professionalism, teamwork, client-centricity, innovation, simplicity—and above all else: people. The company fosters an inclusive environment where every voice is valued; employees are encouraged to share ideas openly while benefiting from extensive support networks spanning EMEA regions. With access to global resources yet empowered by local autonomy within KSA’s dynamic market context—you’ll find ample opportunities for professional growth alongside colleagues who genuinely care about each other’s success. At MUFG you can expect not just challenging assignments but also meaningful recognition for your contributions towards building safer financial systems worldwide.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in compliance leadership further within a globally respected institution committed to excellence—this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next chapter at MUFG awaits.