Compliance Manager

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in either the London or Dubai office, the Compliance Manager* will be responsible for supporting the Firm’s Middle East Money Laundering Reporting Officers, AsiaPac Compliance Partners, global Compliance Officer, and global Compliance Manager primarily across two areas: (1) the further development, management, and oversight of procedures, standards, and controls that are required or expected by relevant anti-money laundering (AML) and counter terrorist financing (CTF) regulatory bodies, and (2) the supervision and management of the Firm’s Compliance Specialists dedicated to the Middle East and AsiaPac regions, who help to, among other obligations, maintain the Firm’s practices and promote compliance with the Firm’s AML, CTF, and Client Due Diligence (CDD) policies, controls, and procedures in its Middle East and AsiaPac offices (currently Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

This role may report to the Firm’s global Compliance Officer or the global Compliance Manager with indirect (i.e., dotted line) reporting into the Firm’s Middle East Money Laundering Reporting Officers and AsiaPac Compliance Partners.

*Please note: The title for this role may be Senior Compliance Specialist or Compliance Manager, depending on substantive expertise and experience, management experience, and track record.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that the onboarding of new clients and matters complies with the Firm’s internal AML/CTF, CDD, and screening policies and procedures for trade and financial sanctions.
• Provide risk-based AML/CTF regulatory interpretation in the context of prospective new client and new matter intake, especially in relation to clients and matters identified to carry enhanced risk, and, if possible, with respect to trade and financial sanctions / export control laws and policies.
• Lead the Firm’s Compliance Specialists dedicated to the Middle East and AsiaPac regions, in coordination with the Firm’s global Compliance Officer/global Compliance Manager, and work collaboratively with other departments to integrate compliance management into business processes; further train and upskill the Firm’s Compliance Specialists dedicated to the Middle East and AsiaPac regions and promote their adherence to the Firm’s internal processes, developed by or in coordination with the Firm’s global Compliance Officer.
• Foster a risk and compliance-aware culture in the Firm’s Middle East and AsiaPac offices, engage with Firm partners and other colleagues regarding AML/CTF/CDD and other local regulatory requirements and expectations, and work with stakeholders to streamline processes; assist with engaging with local regulators and clients as requested.
• Lead on monitoring for developments and changes with respect to regional AML/CTF rules and regulations, requirements and expectations; provide timely updates on such developments and changes to key stakeholders; coordinate with the MLROs/Compliance Partners and global Compliance Officer/global Compliance Manager, as applicable, with updating/implementing applicable policies and procedures.
• Oversee the Middle East and AsiaPac offices’ compliance monitoring efforts, including identifying and addressing any compliance concerns, and making recommendations to key stakeholders on any areas requiring attention.
• Update, develop, and, in coordination with the Compliance Specialists, deliver training for new and existing attorneys and relevant staff on the client intake processes, with particular focus on CDD and AML/CTF processes, procedures, local regulatory requirements and expectations.
• Oversee and coordinate the preparation of responses to Middle East and AsiaPac AML/CTF questionnaires and annual AML returns as and when requested or required by local regulators, and lead on the preparation of the Middle East and AsiaPac offices’ AML/CTF risk assessments.
• Potential deputizing for the Firm’s Middle East Money Laundering Reporting Officers, AsiaPac Compliance Partners, or their appointed deputies, as needed, in responding to internal suspicious activity reports or other referrals and ensuring they are quickly assessed and documented, including (where appropriate) reporting to the relevant authorities. This responsibility is a possibility only after successful completion of a probationary period with the Firm.
• Participate in planning discussions with respect to, and assist with, testing and/or piloting of new third-party or internally constructed software applications relating to client intake, AML/CTF compliance, CDD, trade and financial sanctions and export control compliance, client lifecycle management, and other compliance initiatives more generally.
• Assist with general ad hoc duties; including but not limited to supporting compliance-related projects.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and strategically, while also being a team player; strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to identify, resolve, and communicate regarding issues concisely and in a timely and effective manner.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment; work under pressure and complete job assignments in an accurate and timely manner; respond appropriately to shifting demands.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail; experience with analyzing data, with advanced Excel skills a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues in a professional manner.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working either within a global law firm (as a compliance professional or as an attorney) or for the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the Abu Dhabi Financial Service Regulatory Authority, or another regional regulatory body in a law firm audit or similar capacity.
• Compliance professional, attorney, or regulatory audit professional with direct line management experience.
• Experience in UAE, KSA, Singapore, and Hong Kong AML/CTF compliance (and ideally trade and financial sanctions screening and compliance)
• Strong understanding and working knowledge of legal and regulatory obligations in the UAE, KSA, Singapore, and Hong Kong, including the DFSA Rulebook (the AML Module), AML laws and the AML rules prescribed by the Abu Dhabi Global Market in the AML Rulebook, Saudi AML laws and implementing regulations as prescribed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and/or Capital Markets Authority (CMA), and AML/CTF rules and regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Law Singapore and the Law Society of Hong Kong.
• Proven track record of managing a team successfully and developing colleagues.

 

 

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Locations:

Dubai, London

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.