Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer & Compliance

Lesha Bank is searching for the greatest talent and brightest minds to contribute to the current growth phase at our bank. We are looking for top-tier individuals who are passionate and hungry to add value from day one. Every day at Lesha is different, presenting a new challenge with the opportunity to contribute and grow. We are looking for Deputy MLRO.

Key Responsibilities

AML & CTF Responsibilities

1. Support the MLRO in maintaining and implementing the Company’s AML/CTF framework in accordance with CMA regulations, Saudi AML/CTF laws, and internal policies and procedures.
2. Assist in the development, review, and implementation of AML/CTF policies, procedures, and internal controls.
3. Conduct periodic AML/CTF risk assessments and support the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.
4. Monitor customer activities and transactions to identify unusual or suspicious behavior, ensuring proper documentation and timely escalation to the MLRO.
5. Support the preparation and submission of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other required regulatory reports to the CMA and relevant authorities.
6. Maintain complete and accurate records of AML-related activities, investigations, and reports in line with regulatory requirements.
7. Assist in enhancing AML monitoring systems, transaction monitoring tools, and reporting mechanisms.
8. Provide guidance and deliver training to employees and business units on AML/CTF obligations and regulatory expectations.
9. Coordinate with internal and external auditors and regulators during AML/CTF audits, inspections, and examinations.

Financial Sanctions Responsibilities

1. Implement and maintain the institution’s Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) compliance framework in line with CMA regulations, national laws, and UN Security Council resolutions.
2. Conduct ongoing sanctions risk assessments related to terrorism financing and proliferation financing, and ensure risks are properly identified, assessed, documented, and mitigated.
3. Develop, review, and update written policies, procedures, and internal controls related to sanctions screening, freezing, unfreezing, reporting, and record retention.
4. Ensure timely and accurate screening of customers, beneficial owners, authorized signatories, transactions, and related parties against applicable sanctions lists.
5. Oversee the daily management and updating of internal sanctions lists using official national and international sources.
6. Review, investigate, and resolve sanctions screening alerts in a timely manner, ensuring proper escalation of confirmed or potential matches.
7. Ensure immediate freezing of funds and assets upon confirmation of a sanctions match, without prior notice, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
8. Coordinate and submit required notifications and reports to the Capital Market Authority and relevant competent authorities regarding sanctions-related cases.
9. Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready documentation for all sanctions screening activities, alerts, decisions, freezing actions, and regulatory communications.
10. Monitor and identify potential sanctions evasion or circumvention attempts and escalate suspicious cases in line with AML/CTF reporting requirements.
11. Prepare periodic compliance reports for senior management and the Board, covering sanctions exposure, alerts, freezes, and compliance status.
12. Support internal and external audits by providing required information, explanations, and evidence related to sanctions compliance.
13. Ensure effective coordination with AML, Compliance, Legal, Operations, and IT teams to support sanctions compliance activities.
14. Oversee or support sanctions-related training and awareness programs for relevant staff, tailored to their roles and risk exposure.
15. Ensure confidentiality of sanctions-related information and prevent tipping-off or unauthorized disclosure.
16. Continuously monitor regulatory updates, CMA circulars, and international developments related to targeted financial sanctions and ensure timely implementation.

Compliance Responsibilities

1. Assist the Compliance function in ensuring company-wide adherence to CMA regulations, Saudi regulations, and internal policies.
2. Review, update, and implement compliance policies and procedures in response to regulatory changes and best practices.
3. Perform regular compliance monitoring and testing across business units to identify gaps, breaches, or control weaknesses.
4. Support the preparation of regulatory filings, reports, and responses submitted to the CMA or other regulatory authorities.
5. Act as a point of contact for internal and external regulatory inquiries related to AML, CTF, and compliance matters.
6. Assist in employee training programs covering regulatory compliance, internal policies, and ethical standards.
7. Collaborate with other departments to ensure compliance controls are embedded into daily business operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
• CME 1 and CME 2
• Saudi nationality
• Professional certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) or recognized Compliance certifications are preferred.
• Minimum of 2–5 years of experience in AML/CTF and compliance roles within financial institutions or CMA-regulated entities.
• Strong knowledge of CMA regulations, Saudi AML/CTF frameworks, and international compliance best practices.