AVP, Regulatory Affairs

JOB PURPOSE:

The AVP – Regulatory Affairs (UAE) plays a pivotal role in managing the Bank's engagement with its Regulators, ensuring the effective end-to-end management of regulatory examinations, thematic reviews, and on-site inspections. The role coordinates closely with internal stakeholders and Regulators to deliver timely, accurate, and well-governed responses to regulatory requests, while maintaining robust oversight of records, logs, and trackers. Beyond day-to-day management of circulars, notices, and Requests for Information (RFIs), the role is expected to drive automation, streamlining, and simplification of regulatory processes and reporting, enhancing efficiency, consistency, and quality, and reinforcing the Bank's regulatory standing and reputation.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Job Specific Accountabilities

1. Regulatory Examinations & Thematic Reviews

• Lead the end-to-end management of all regulatory examinations and thematic reviews, ensuring they are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to gather the documentation and information required to respond accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate logs and trackers, and provide regular status reports and updates to the Head of Regulatory Affairs – UAE.

2. On-Site Inspections

• Coordinate and manage on-site inspections by regulatory bodies, ensuring all logistical arrangements are in place and internal stakeholders are well briefed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Regulators during on-site inspections, ensuring clear communication and seamless execution.
• Ensure all inspection findings are documented, with follow-up actions tracked to completion within agreed timelines.

3. Requests for Information (RFIs)

• Manage and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from Regulators in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure all regulatory communications are properly logged and supported by the required documentation.
• Maintain an efficient and effective Single Point of Contact (SPOC) management process.

4. Circulars & Notices

• Manage the receipt, tracking, and timely dissemination of regulatory circulars and notices across the Bank.
• Maintain a central repository of all circulars and notices to ensure ready access for internal audits and regulatory reviews.

5. Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders to enable smooth and effective regulatory interactions.
• Act as a key liaison between the Bank and regulatory authorities on all compliance-related matters.

6. Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Keep the Head of Regulatory Affairs – UAE regularly updated on the status of ongoing regulatory activities, including examinations, RFIs, and ad hoc regulatory interactions.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all regulatory examinations, thematic reviews, inspections, RFIs, circulars, and notices.
• Ensure regulatory logs and trackers are updated in real time and readily accessible for management reviews and audits.
• Provide monthly inputs to the Head of Regulatory Compliance for inclusion in the CBUAE Monthly Pack.

7. Continuous Improvement, Automation & Simplification

• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and simplify the management of regulatory examinations, inspections, and reporting, driving greater efficiency and consistency.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices to ensure the Bank's processes remain current, effective, and future-ready.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in regulatory compliance or relevant fields preferably within a financial institution.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements within the banking sector.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder management.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Key Competences:

• Task Prioritisation: Strong ability to prioritise and manage competing demands, ensuring the timely dissemination of information both internally and to Regulators, and the effective resolution of regulatory requirements.
• Documentation Management: Highly skilled in maintaining comprehensive, well-organised records of all regulatory requests and communications between the Bank and its Regulators.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements within the banking sector, enabling effective engagement and sound risk mitigation.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare and distribute clear regulatory notices, circulars, updates, and educational materials.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Confident in building and sustaining productive relationships with internal stakeholders and regulatory authorities to support smooth and effective interactions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous and accuracy-focused, ensuring precision and quality across all regulatory records, responses, and reporting.
• Process Enhancement & Automation: Proactive in identifying opportunities to enhance, automate, and simplify regulatory processes, trackers, and reporting — driving greater efficiency, consistency, and quality across regulatory operations.