Head of Compliance

Department:
Compliance

Location:
Doha, Qatar

Regulators:
QFCRA (Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority) and QFMA (Qatar Financial Markets Authority)

Role Overview

The Head of Compliance will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of regulatory compliance for Lesha bank in accordance with the requirements of the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) and the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and all other internal and external rules, processes and policies. The role ensures the firm operates within all applicable legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks, maintaining robust internal controls, and promoting a strong culture of compliance and integrity across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory & Governance

• Act as the Approved Individual and Compliance Officer registered with the QFCRA and QFMA.
• Serve as the MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) and liaise directly with the QFCRA AML Department and the Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU) as required.
• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies and procedures to meet regulatory obligations under QFCRA, QFMA, AML/CFT, and FATCA/CRS frameworks.
• Ensure timely submission of all required regulatory reports, notifications, and filings to the QFCRA and QFMA and any other jurisdiction applicable to Lesha
• Advise the Board and senior management on compliance risks, governance matters, and regulatory developments impacting the business.
• Maintain the firm's Compliance Monitoring Plan (CMP), conduct ongoing reviews, and ensure follow-up on remediation actions.
• support and coordinate senior management focus on managing the Bank's ML/TF and sanction risks in individual business areas.

Risk & Control Framework

• Oversee compliance risk assessments across all business lines, including advisory, asset management, and trading operations.
• Collaborate with internal audit, risk management, and finance to ensure a coordinated approach to internal controls and compliance risk management.
• Monitor adherence to conduct of business standards, client suitability, and conflict-of-interest requirements under all the applicable rules
• Ensure all marketing materials, client communications, and investment product offerings are compliant with applicable laws and regulatory standards.

Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver compliance and AML/CFT training programs to all employees, ensuring awareness of regulatory obligations and ethical standards.
• Foster a culture of compliance and accountability throughout the organization.

AML/CFT Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the internal AML/CFT and Sanctions Policies and Procedures.
• Ensure that appropriate AML/CFT and Sanctions policies, procedures, systems and controls are developed, established and updated to ensure that the required controls are in place to assign, monitor, manage, and mitigate identified risks.
• Conduct periodic AML risk assessments and oversee customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and ongoing monitoring processes.
• Ensure that all appropriate daily AML/CFT and Sanction tasks and process are identified, documented, and carried out.
• Develop, maintain, and implement a range of AML/CFT and Sanction programs/procedures to provide LESHA BANK with assurance that the Bank is complying with its regulatory requirements.
• Comply with LESHA BANK's AML/CFT and Sanction Policies and Procedures.
• Support with the requirements related to LESHA subsidiaries, including but not limited to SPVs, from AML/CFT and compliance perspective.

External Relations

• Assist in establishing and maintaining a constructive and effective working relationship with regulators and authorities.
• Maintain detailed working knowledge of applicable rules and regulations to facilitate the provision of general advice on AML/CFT and Sanction issues arising.
• Build a relationship with the regulators.
• Respond to queries from the regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Economics, or a related field; a Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, CISI, CFA) is preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of compliance experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within an investment bank or financial institution regulated under QFCRA .
• Strong knowledge of QFC Law, QFCRA Rulebooks, QFMA regulations, AML/CFT requirements, and international best practices.
• Proven experience engaging with regulators and handling regulatory examinations.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Fluent in English and Arabic