IQ-EQ

Requirements

Candidates must hold a degree in law, finance, or a related discipline and possess 8-10 years of experience in financial services and regulatory compliance. Proven expertise in DFSA and/or FSRA regulatory frameworks and experience in leading licensing projects are essential.

Job Summary

Company Description
ABOUT IQ-EQ
Is a global investor services group with deep expertise in private markets. We support investment managers, asset owners and global businesses with the administration, compliance, governance, data and reporting that their structures depend on.
Across 25 jurisdictions, our 6,500+ professionals combine technical strength, connected technology and human understanding – the IQ and the EQ – to free clients from operational complexity and give them the peace of mind to focus on their core business activities.
Our IQ is our technical, regulatory and operational expertise, underpinned by data, technology and coordinated global delivery. Our EQ is our human partnership: understanding the business behind the numbers, the culture behind the structures and the individuals behind the screens.
With more than US$950 billion of assets under administration, our global client base includes 13 of the world’s top 15 private equity firms* and 19 of the top 25 private debt firms**.
One relationship connects our clients to the right expertise as needs evolve, helping them move forward with clarity and confidence, wherever they operate.
To find out more about IQ-EQ visit iqeq.com.
Job Description
As a Manager – Client Compliance, you will advise and support clients throughout the regulatory licensing process by assessing their business models, recommending appropriate regulated financial service activities and licensing structures for operations within the DIFC and ADGM, while providing outsourced Compliance Officer and MLRO services, guiding clients on compliance obligations and structuring matters, and leading the Client Compliance Unit team through effective supervision, coaching, and oversight of daily operations.
What you’ll do
You’ll serve as an outsourced DFSA and/or FSRA approved Compliance Officer & MLRO, delivering regulatory compliance, risk management, and governance services to financial institutions across multiple prudential categories within the DIFC and ADGM regulatory frameworks
You’ll contribute to designing and implementing AML/CFT frameworks for clients, act as MLRO/Compliance Officer for IQ-EQ DIFC client companies, and conduct client file reviews and special investigations as required
You’ll attend board meetings to present MLRO/Compliance reports, receive, analyse and report Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) as appropriate, and liaise with the DFSA, FSRA, and other regulatory bodies to assist clients in obtaining regulatory approvals and related matters
You’ll provide Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and AML/CFT training, conduct AML/CFT risk assessments across products, technology, and business practices, analyse and communicate regulatory developments, and provide compliance guidance to internal stakeholders
You’ll provide management information to governance committees and boards, supervise and assess the Client Compliance Unit team’s work and assignments, support capability development and resource allocation, and ensure the protection of IQ-EQ DIFC’s information assets in accordance with the ISMS framework
What we offer
Base Salary: Competitive salary based on role, qualifications, experience, and market standards
Annual Bonus: Performance-based discretionary bonus paid annually
Referral Rewards: AED 2,000 bonus for successful employee referrals after probation
Pension / End of Service Benefits: Contribution to DEWS scheme or gratuity as per UAE regulations
Insurance Benefits: Comprehensive private medical insurance for employees
Additional Benefits: 24 days leave, hybrid working, flexible work options, family leave, and professional development support
Qualifications
You hold a degree from a reputable university, preferably in law, finance, financial services, or a related compliance discipline
You have 8-10 years of experience in financial services, regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management, with expertise in regulated financial environments
You have experience acting in approved compliance functions under the DFSA and/or FSRA regulatory frameworks, including serving as a Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
You have a proven track record of leading regulatory licensing and authorisation projects for financial institutions within the DIFC, ADGM, and/or CMA, including engagement with regulators throughout the application and approval process
You demonstrate strong stakeholder management, regulatory advisory, and compliance leadership capabilities, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements and support client compliance objectives
Additional Information
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU AND THE ENVIRONMENT
As a forward-looking business, sustainability is integral to our strategy and operations. Our sustainability depends on us building and maintaining meaningful, long-term relationships with all our stakeholders – including our employees, clients, and local communities – while also reducing our impact on our natural environment.
There is always more we can, and should do, to improve – whether in relation to our people, our clients, our planet, or our governance. Our ongoing success as a business depends on our sustainability and agility in a changing and challenging global landscape. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse culture for our people, led by our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion steering committee.
Our learning and development programmes and systems (including PowerU and MyCampus) enable us to invest in growing our employees’ careers, while our hybrid working approach supports our employees in achieving balance and flexibility while remaining connected to their colleagues. We want to empower our 5,500+ employees – from 94 nationalities, speaking 41 languages across 25 countries – to each achieve their potential. Through IQ-EQ Launchpad we support female managers launching their first fund, in an environment where only 15% of all private equity and venture capital firms are gender balanced.
We’re committed to growing long-term relationships with our clients and supporting them in achieving their objectives. We understand that our clients’ sustainability and success leads to our sustainability and success. We’re emotionally invested in our clients right from the beginning.

Department: Client Services
Type of Hire: Permanent

Responsibilities

You will serve as an outsourced Compliance Officer and MLRO, providing regulatory, risk, and governance services to financial institutions within the DIFC and ADGM. Additionally, you will lead the Client Compliance Unit team, overseeing daily operations, coaching staff, and managing regulatory licensing projects.