
Commercial Bank of Dubai
Head of Customer Due Diligence
- Permanent
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 5 - 10 yrs
- Urgent
Job expiry date: 12/12/2025
Job overview
Date posted
28/10/2025
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary
AED 30,000 - 40,000 per month
Compensation
Comprehensive package + relocation
Experience
5 - 10 yrs
Seniority
Senior Manager
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
12/12/2025
Job description
The Head of Customer Due Diligence (CDD) at Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end due diligence framework within the Personal Banking Group (PBG). The role ensures compliance with all regulatory, AML, and CFT requirements while maintaining the bankās risk governance standards. The incumbent will oversee customer identification, verification, and risk assessment processes for both Retail and SME clients, ensuring the application of appropriate due diligence levels based on risk exposure. This position requires a strategic leader capable of driving compliance excellence, process efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration. The role also involves liaising with regulatory bodies, auditors, and internal stakeholders to ensure transparency, regulatory adherence, and continuous improvement in due diligence operations. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of AML/CFT regulations, experience in managing CDD/EDD programs, and a proven track record of leading compliance-focused teams in a dynamic banking environment.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Ongoing Due Diligence (ODD) team, overseeing recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Ensure full compliance with CDD and EDD policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements across Retail and SME portfolios.
- Oversee customer identification, verification, and risk assessment processes to ensure accuracy and adherence to internal controls.
- Monitor and manage risks related to customer relationships, including money laundering and terrorism financing exposures.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in collaboration with Compliance and Risk Management teams.
- Stay updated on AML/CFT regulatory changes and ensure that processes align with new legal requirements.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies, auditors, and external stakeholders on matters relating to due diligence and compliance.
- Implement and maintain effective monitoring, escalation, and reporting frameworks for suspicious activity detection.
- Work closely with internal departments such as Business, Compliance, Marketing, IT, and Customer Service to ensure integrated CDD operations.
- Promote a culture of compliance, integrity, and risk awareness across the department.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance due diligence processes to improve operational efficiency and compliance accuracy.
- Introduce and integrate technology solutions to streamline customer onboarding and CDD monitoring.
- Provide regular updates, dashboards, and reports to senior management on CDD activities, performance, and key risks.
Experience & skills
- Bachelorās degree in Finance, Business Administration, Law, or a related field; Masterās degree or professional certifications (CAMS, CFE) preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in banking with direct exposure to Customer Due Diligence and customer communications.
- Mandatory prior experience in CDD covering both Retail and SME segments.
- Comprehensive knowledge of AML, CFT, and financial crime regulations within the UAE and global frameworks.
- Proven leadership experience in managing compliance or due diligence teams within a financial institution.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of working across departments and with regulators.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to assess and mitigate operational and compliance risks.
- Experience implementing or optimizing compliance-related technology platforms.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
- Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership.