Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) & MLRO

About the role

A Hong Kong-based brokerage and diversified financial services firm with a 40-year track record is preparing regulated operations in Oman and obtaining the relevant licenses from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Oman. It seeks an experienced Chief Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to lead compliance and anti-financial crime functions in Oman. The role reports directly to the Board of Directors / CEO and is central to building the compliance infrastructure, managing licensing and ensuring compliance with Omani law, FSA regulations and international standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the FSA licensing and authorization application process and act as the main contact with the FSA and other authorities
• Ensure timely submission of regulatory applications, notifications and reports, and monitor regulatory developments
• Develop and implement a compliance framework covering AML/CTF, KYC, CDD, sanctions screening and financial crime prevention, including Oman's AML/CFT Law (Royal Decree No. 30/2016) and FSA instructions such as Decision No. E/80/2021
• Set up internal controls and compliance monitoring programs
• As MLRO, oversee transaction monitoring, investigations and STR submissions to the National Centre for Financial Information (NCFI)
• Manage customer onboarding, EDD, PEP and sanctions screening, run AML/CTF risk assessments and deliver training
• Oversee compliance monitoring, testing, audits and regulatory inspections, and drive corrective actions
• Advise the Board and senior management on regulatory developments, compliance risks and corporate governance

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or above in Law, Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics or a related field (postgraduate qualification an advantage)
• 7-10+ years of compliance, regulatory affairs, AML/CTF or legal experience in financial services, securities brokerage, investment or capital markets
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with FSA of Oman licensing applications is essential
• Experience in institutions regulated by recognized authorities (Oman FSA, Hong Kong SFC, UK FCA, Dubai DFSA or equivalent) preferred
• Proven ability to build and manage a compliance framework and AML/CTF program
• Must meet the FSA's Fit & Proper and approval requirements for controlled functions
• Fluency in English is essential; Arabic is a strong advantage

Required skills

• CAMS, ICA Diploma or equivalent certification strongly preferred
• Strong practical knowledge of AML/CTF, KYC/CDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions and STR reporting
• Leadership, integrity and stakeholder management skills

What we offer

• Competitive executive compensation package
• Opportunity to build the compliance infrastructure of an established international group entering Oman
• Direct reporting to the Board / CEO, with significant involvement in licensing and governance
• Long-term career growth within an expanding international business