Money Laundering Reporting Officer

About the Role

As a real estate developer concluding sale and purchase transactions on behalf of customers, Ohana Development is classified as a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (“DNFBP”) under UAE Federal AML Legislation. The MLRO is responsible for implementing and overseeing Ohana’s AML/CFT compliance programme, acting as the main point of contact with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Financial Intelligence Unit (“FIU”), and ensuring all suspicious transactions are reported via the goAML platform.

Responsibilities

• Act as the named MLRO on Ohana’s goAML/SACM registration and serve as the primary liaison with the FIU and MoET.
• Design, implement, and maintain Ohana’s AML/CFT risk assessment, policies, and internal controls, tailored to real estate transactions (cash-intensive deals, foreign buyers, corporate/SPV buyers).
• Conduct or oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on buyers, sellers, and beneficial owners before concluding transactions.
• Screen customers and beneficial owners against UN and UAE sanctions lists and the Ministry of Economy’s high-risk jurisdiction list.
• Receive internal escalations from sales/brokerage staff and determine whether a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) must be filed.
• File STRs with the FIU via goAML promptly upon suspicion arising, without tipping off the customer.
• Maintain CDD, transaction, and STR records for a minimum of five years.
• Deliver or arrange annual AML/CFT training for sales and customer-facing staff.
• Report periodically to Senior Management on compliance status, STRs filed, and any regulatory communications.
• Prepare Ohana for MoET inspections and respond to regulator information requests.

Qualifications

• Sufficient seniority and independence to escalate concerns directly to Senior Management and to halt a transaction pending review.
• Direct, unrestricted access to customer files, transaction records, and beneficial ownership information.
• Sound understanding of Ohana’s sales process, buyer profiles, and real estate-specific money laundering red flags.
• UAE residency.

Required Skills

• Prior MLRO/Compliance Officer experience at a real estate developer, broker, or other DNFBP in the UAE.
• Familiarity with Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, its Executive Regulations, and MoET’s DNFBP and real estate sector guidelines.
• Hands-on experience with goAML/SACM registration and STR filing.
• AML certification (e.g., ICA, ACAMS) is an advantage.

Preferred Skills

• Prior MLRO/Compliance Officer experience at a real estate developer, broker, or other DNFBP in the UAE.
• Familiarity with Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, its Executive Regulations, and MoET’s DNFBP and real estate sector guidelines.
• Hands-on experience with goAML/SACM registration and STR filing.
• AML certification (e.g., ICA, ACAMS) is an advantage.