Director of Compliance

Associate Director – Compliance (Commodity markets / regulations)

Location: Dubai, UAE

Level: Senior / Director

Our client, a leading international investment bank, is looking to appoint a senior compliance professional with strong expertise in commodities to join their Dubai office at Associate Director level .

Please note: This is an advisory-focused compliance role, centered on commodity markets and regulatory matters, and to be considered you MUST have exposure to DFSA rules or an equivalent regulatory framework in Dubai. Candidates with experience working at investment banks or other regulated entities are therefore preferred. The position is NOT related to MLRO or financial crime responsibilities.

Role Overview

In this position, you will act as a trusted compliance advisor to traders and marketers, supporting the launch of innovative products and services across the region. You will provide regulatory guidance and help ensure adherence to DFSA rules, while overseeing compliance activities such as desk reviews, monitoring, and thematic assessments.

As the registered Compliance Officer for the firm’s DIFC entity, you will play a key role in ensuring effective governance and oversight. Beyond local responsibilities, you will also contribute to wider regional and global compliance projects, including designing and delivering training programs.

Additionally, you will monitor regulatory developments, assess their impact on the business, and assist in updating internal compliance policies and frameworks as needed.

Our client is an international investment bank seeking an experienced, commodity-focused compliance specialist to come in at Associate Director level and advise the traders and marketers in their growing Dubai office.

Position Overview:

You will offer expert regulatory advice and policy guidance to help the business launch new products and services in the region. Your responsibilities will include conducting oversight activities such as desk-based monitoring and thematic reviews to ensure compliance with Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) regulations.

As an Associate Director, you’ll serve as the registered Compliance Officer for our Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) entity. You’ll also support regional and global compliance initiatives, including the development and delivery of training sessions. Additionally, you'll evaluate the implications of new regulations and contribute to updates of internal compliance policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day compliance advisory to commodity traders and marketers in the Dubai office.
• Support regional and global compliance initiatives, including the development and delivery of training sessions
• Be the registered compliance officer with DFSA and DIFC.
• Handle regulatory interactions, governance, filings.
• Review marketing policies, interpret global policies locally.
• Work autonomously but collaboratively across regions

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• 8+ years of experience in commodity markets within a financial services organization, ideally with at least some experience in an investment bank.
• Solid understanding of the UAE regulatory environment and commodities landscape is a must .
• Familiarity with broader Middle East compliance frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• A collaborative mindset with a practical, solution-focused approach.
• Proven ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Experience providing regulatory guidance and interpreting internal policies.
• Background in designing and conducting compliance training programs.
• Based in Dubai, or open to relocating to Dubai (relocation possible). Please note, if relocating, the candidate must have relevant experience of Middle Eastern regulations in the commodities space.
• Notice periods up to 3 months are fine.