Head of Compliance

Location: Saudi Arabia

Industry: Fintech / Financial Services

Reporting to: CEO / Executive Leadership

Our client is a fast-growing fintech company operating in the open banging space. As part of their expansion in Saudi Arabia they are seeking a Head of Compliance to establish and oversee the companys regulatory compliance framework and act as the primary liaison with regulators.

The Head of Compliance will be responsible for managing the organizations regulatory compliance activities in line with SAMA (Saudi Central Bank) requirements or equivalent regulatory frameworks. The role involves ensuring robust AML/KYC practices leading regulatory reporting and governance initiatives and fostering a strong compliance culture across the business.

The successful candidate must demonstrate solid regulatory exposure and the maturity to represent the organization confidently in front of regulators.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop implement and maintain the companys compliance framework aligned with SAMA regulations

• Oversee AML/KYC controls sanctions screening and financial crime prevention measures

• Lead regulatory reporting and ensure timely submission of required filings and disclosures

• Act as the primary point of contact and liaison with SAMA supporting inspections and regulatory interactions

• Establish and manage compliance monitoring programs and internal control mechanisms

• Ensure policy governance including drafting reviewing and updating compliance policies and procedures

• Provide advisory support to internal stakeholders on regulatory requirements and compliance risks

• Promote and embed a strong compliance culture across the organization through awareness and training initiatives

• Support audit processes and remediation of compliance findings

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Law Finance Business or a related discipline (Masters preferred)

• Proven experience in regulatory compliance within a financial institution fintech or regulated environment

• Hands-on familiarity with SAMA regulations or an equivalent central bank framework

• Strong understanding of AML/KYC requirements regulatory reporting and compliance governance

• Experience engaging with regulators supporting inspections and managing regulatory submissions

• Ability to operate in a dynamic startup/scale-up environment with a pragmatic approach

• Strong communication stakeholder management and documentation skills

Additional Notes

• The selected candidate will be subject to SAMA Fit & Proper approval prior to final appointment

• This role offers the opportunity to build and shape the compliance function within a growing fintech organization