Head of Legal, Compliance and Risk Management

General Overview:

Intelligent Solutions has partnered with a leading Insurance Brokerage firm in the UAE to hire a Head of Legal, Compliance & Risk Management. This senior role reports directly to the CEO and serves as a key strategic advisor, ensuring the business operates within legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks while safeguarding its reputation and supporting growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal and compliance guidance to the CEO, Board, and senior management, aligning business strategies with regulatory requirements.
  
• Develop and implement comprehensive compliance programs covering AML, sanctions, KYC, CDD, data protection, governance, and risk management.
  
• Oversee contracts and agreements (review, drafting, negotiation) and introduce standard templates to streamline processes.
  
• Establish integrated governance frameworks and lead Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), covering operational, financial, legal, strategic, and reputational risks.
  
• Act as Board Secretary: organize meetings, ensure compliance with governance standards, manage board papers, minutes, resolutions, and corporate filings.
  
• Manage regulatory relationships, inquiries, and audits; ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulators and the board.
  
• Lead AML and sanctions compliance programs, including transaction monitoring, client screening, and suspicious activity reporting.
  
• Oversee data protection, cybersecurity, and information security frameworks, staying ahead of evolving threats and regulations.
  
• Conduct ongoing regulatory and market research, providing insights on emerging risks, industry trends, and legislative changes.
  
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct through training, awareness programs, and proactive risk mitigation.
  
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders including regulators, auditors, legal advisors, and government authorities.
  
  

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (legal, strategic, or general management discipline); Insurance qualifications preferred.
  
• 10+ years’ experience in legal, compliance, governance, and risk management, ideally in the insurance/reinsurance sector.
  
• Strong exposure to developed regulatory regimes; MEA/UAE experience preferred; Arabic language is an advantage.
  
• Demonstrated experience in board facilitation and governance frameworks.
  
• In-depth knowledge of AML, sanctions, data protection, and risk management practices.
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with strong negotiation and intercultural competence.
  
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.