From sanctions desk to country leadership

Compliance leader at country level with direct reporting to Global Compliance, responsible for governance, AML, regulatory compliance, and strategic advisory across Saudi Arabia.

Key achievements

• Designed and implemented the Saudi compliance and governance framework aligned with global standards, including Code of Conduct, regulatory policies, and control structures across all business units.
• Oversaw and enhanced the AML program covering 80K+ client risk profiles, automating sanctions screening, STR reporting, and due diligence processes to eliminate redundant manual activities.
• Led regulatory and licensing initiatives, including Regional Headquarters licensing, legal structuring, and establishment of new entities in Saudi Arabia.
• Established ERM and internal control frameworks based on COSO, strengthening risk governance and regulatory compliance across the organization.
• Implemented the GACP framework and drove adoption across global offices, standardizing compliance practices and procedures.
• Acted as trusted advisor to executive leadership and global stakeholders on regulatory strategy, product development, and risk mitigation.
• Led the data protection mandate implementation, ensuring compliance with local regulations and global privacy standards.
• Contributed to shareholder governance, including participation and presentations in shareholder meetings and company secretarial matters.
• Published consultation papers supporting regulatory draft frameworks, influencing compliance practices within the sector.
• Delivered compliance training programs to regional and global teams, strengthening awareness and regulatory adherence.

Led the compliance and governance function with direct reporting to the Audit Committee, driving strategic regulatory alignment and governance at Board level.

Key achievements

• Directed compliance strategy since 2021, establishing a sustainable compliance framework that enhanced regulatory posture and organizational culture.
• Led regulatory engagement with SAMA, CMA, and other authorities, managing all submissions, approvals, and inspections.
• Prepared and delivered Board and Audit Committee materials, including agendas, reports, and governance updates across 24+ meetings.
• Implemented AML and compliance programs, ensuring full adherence to regulatory requirements and strengthening monitoring frameworks.
• Played a key role in the capital increase exercise, supporting regulatory approvals and stakeholder alignment.
• Served as member of multiple management committees, contributing to strategic decision making and governance oversight.
• Reviewed and structured Board agendas, enhancing governance effectiveness and the quality of decision making.
• Designed and executed governance structures aligned with regulatory requirements and best practices.

Promoted across roles, managing AML, compliance, and governance across multiple business functions.

Key achievements

• Designed and implemented the AML program across the whole company, covering multiple departments and regulatory requirements.
• Automated AML processes, including sanctions screening, STR portal integration, and compliance dashboards for Audit Committee oversight.
• Executed compliance annual plans and regulatory reviews, ensuring timely reporting and remediation of findings.
• Coordinated with Big 4 consultants, acting as audit coordinator for regulatory and risk engagements.
• Led the ERM function (interim), strengthening enterprise risk visibility and governance.
• Developed the Audit Committee dashboard, enabling live tracking of compliance observations and actions.

Oversaw five operational functions including HR, procurement, government relations, management of third parties, and internal controls across two years of administrative and compliance oversight.

Key achievements

• Managed HR and administrative operations supporting 100+ employees, maintaining execution of all personnel, compliance, and operational processes across 24 months.
• Formulated 10+ policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks, addressing operational and compliance risks across multiple business functions.
• Coordinated procurement and the management of third parties across 25+ vendors, ensuring contract execution, regulatory alignment, and continuity of daily operational activities.

Monitored sanctions compliance across transactions in high volumes under SAMA and international regulations.

Key achievements

• Monitored sanctions compliance across transactions in high volumes, ensuring adherence to SAMA and international regulations.
• Reviewed policies and advised departments on sanctions and regulatory requirements.

Negotiated pricing and product terms across numerous SKUs, supporting weekly promotional campaigns and pricing strategy.

Key achievements

• Negotiated pricing and product terms across numerous SKUs, supporting weekly promotional campaigns and pricing adjustments for retail operations.
• Analyzed sales and inventory data across weekly reporting cycles, delivering stock recommendations and performance insights to management teams.