RC-MENA-Regulatory Compliance-Manager

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EY - Risk Consulting - Manager, Regulatory Compliance

As part of Risk Consulting, you will lead and support client engagements focused on regulatory compliance strategy, governance, obligation management, compliance assurance and transformation across the MENA region. You will work with banks, regulators, financial institutions and clients across other regulated sectors to design practical and sustainable compliance frameworks, operating models and remediation programmes.

The opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Manager with a strong background in regulatory compliance, internal audit, risk management or conduct risk reviews to join our Risk Consulting team. This is an opportunity to contribute to the growth of a leading advisory practice while helping clients strengthen regulatory governance, compliance maturity and their response to evolving supervisory expectations. The position will be based in Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Working in our practice, you will advise clients across a variety of industries and operating environments, lead high-quality engagements and develop your experience in regulatory strategy and governance, regulatory universes and obligations, compliance monitoring and testing, regulatory inspections and compliance transformation.

Your key responsibilities

As part of the role, you will lead and support responsibilities across the following areas:

Regulatory Compliance

• Lead the design, implementation and enhancement of enterprise-wide regulatory compliance frameworks and governance structures.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of regulatory inventories, compliance universes and regulatory obligation registers.
• Direct regulatory obligation extraction, rationalisation, applicability analysis and mapping to risks, controls, policies and business processes.
• Establish and enhance regulatory change management programmes to assess, communicate and implement new or amended requirements.
• Lead regulatory compliance reviews, thematic assessments and compliance monitoring and testing programmes.
• Assess the design and effectiveness of compliance controls and governance mechanisms, identify gaps and direct remediation activities.
• Provide independent challenge to first-line business functions and deliver clear, risk-based recommendations to strengthen compliance maturity.
• Guide clients through regulatory inspections, supervisory reviews, information requests and remediation programmes.
• Lead implementation of relevant international compliance standards and leading practices, tailored to client requirements and regulatory expectations.

Crypto Compliance

• Support compliance assessments relating to virtual assets and crypto exchange operations, including customer onboarding, wallet and transaction flows, custody arrangements and market integrity risks.
• Assess blockchain analytics and transaction monitoring frameworks used to identify, investigate and escalate risks associated with virtual assets and crypto-related activity.
• Review sanctions screening and compliance arrangements relevant to crypto activities, including requirements issued by OFAC, the United Nations, the European Union and UK HM Treasury.

General Management and Consulting Responsibilities

• Advise executive management and Board committees on emerging regulatory risks, industry developments and strategic compliance priorities.
• Lead large-scale compliance transformation initiatives, including compliance management systems, target operating models and control enhancement programmes.
• Manage engagement scope, economics, resources, risks, quality, timelines and client expectations.
• Present compliance reports, findings and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders, executive management and governance committees.
• Coach and mentor team members and foster a culture of quality, collaboration and continuous learning.
• Develop proposals, thought leadership and go-to-market initiatives that support the growth of the regulatory compliance practice.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance governance, regulatory obligation management, compliance monitoring, testing and remediation.
• Strong understanding of CBUAE, SAMA, Basel, AML/KYC, Consumer Protection and governance frameworks; exposure to governance requirements in the government, infrastructure and energy sectors is advantageous.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements and compliance findings into concise executive and Board-level reporting.
• Strong stakeholder management, analytical, problem-solving and independent challenge skills.
• Proven project and engagement management capability, including management of multidisciplinary teams, multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with confidence presenting to executive management, regulators and governance forums.
• Strong proposal development, account management and business development capabilities.
• MENA regional experience and familiarity with local regulators, particularly CBUAE and SAMA, would be advantageous.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• A bachelor s degree in business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Law or a related discipline.
• Nine to twelve years of relevant experience in regulatory compliance, internal audit, risk management or conduct risk review programmes.
• Experience within banks, regulators, consulting firms or other financial institutions.
• Demonstrable experience leading regulatory compliance frameworks, obligation management, assurance reviews, regulatory change or remediation initiatives.
• Experience managing teams and engaging with executive management, Board committees, regulators and senior client stakeholders.

Ideally, you ll also have

• An MBA and/or a relevant professional qualification such as CIA or CAMS.
• Prior consulting or professional-services experience leading regulatory compliance engagements.
• MENA regional experience with CBUAE, SAMA or other local regulators.
• Experience across banking, government and infrastructure, or energy-sector governance and compliance frameworks.
• Exposure to blockchain analytics tools and transaction monitoring approaches used to identify and investigate risks associated with virtual assets and crypto-related activity.
• Knowledge of sanctions compliance requirements and screening expectations, including those issued by OFAC, the United Nations, the European Union and UK HM Treasury.
• Understanding of crypto exchange operations, including customer onboarding, wallet and transaction flows, custody arrangements, market integrity and related compliance risks.

Mobility and travel

• Willingness and ability to travel to client locations at short notice, with an expectation of approximately 75% onsite travel.
• A valid passport and ability to meet applicable travel requirements.

What working at EY offers

At EY, we re dedicated to helping our clients, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies - and the work we do with them is as varied as they are.

You will work on inspiring and meaningful projects, supported by education, coaching and practical experience. We value our people and provide opportunities to shape your development through challenging assignments, knowledge exchange and collaboration. We offer:

• Support, coaching and feedback from engaging colleagues.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career.
• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that is right for you.

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