Deputy Group MLRO – Financial Crime Compliance Lead

About the role

Our client, a leading global financial services and investment organisation, is seeking a Deputy Group Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) based in Bahrain. Reporting to the Group MLRO, the role provides regional and international exposure and supports the oversight, governance and enhancement of the AML, sanctions, KYC and broader financial crime framework.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Group MLRO in overseeing the organisation’s AML, sanctions, KYC and financial crime compliance framework.
• Conduct independent reviews and assurance assessments of AML and financial crime controls.
• Lead thematic reviews, control testing exercises and quality‑assurance initiatives.
• Identify control gaps, emerging risks and opportunities to strengthen compliance processes.
• Assist with regulatory inspections, audits and compliance reviews.
• Review and support client onboarding, enhanced due diligence, periodic reviews and sanctions screening.
• Oversee higher‑risk client relationships, PEP classifications and financial crime escalations.
• Support suspicious activity reporting and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Conduct or oversee AML/KYC due diligence on counterparties and third parties.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• 6‑10 years of experience in AML, financial crime compliance, risk management or regulatory compliance within banking, asset management, wealth management or investment services.
• Experience operating in a regulated environment and interacting with regulators, auditors and senior stakeholders.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA Diploma in AML, CFCS or equivalent are highly desirable.

Required skills

• AML and sanctions compliance.
• KYC/CDD and enhanced due diligence.
• Transaction monitoring and PEP reviews.
• Familiarity with international AML/CFT regulatory frameworks (CIMA, FATF, OFAC, EU AML Directives, US BSA/AML).

What we offer

• Board‑level AML exposure and strong career progression.