AML / CTF Sanctions Manager

Overview

HALA is a leading fintech player in the MENAP region that aims to redefine financial services and build the future bank of SMEs. HALA empowers SMEs to start, run, and grow their businesses by providing cutting‑edge financial and technological tools.

HALA currently holds multiple entities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt (including HALA Payments, HALA Cashier, and HALA Logistics) and offers solutions that enable merchants to digitize their payments as well as manage their sales and operations.

Founded in 2017, HALA is duly licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank as well as the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the AML / CTF sanctions compliance framework; act as deputy to the Head of AML / CTF.
• Tune, document, and keep sanctions screening systems audit‑ready.
• Build and maintain automated monitoring systems for sanctions, PEP, and payment screening to detect and block prohibited activity in real time.
• Screen all customers, employees, suppliers, and third parties prior to onboarding and monitor them daily against SAMA and international sanctions lists (e.g., OFAC, UN, EU).
• Investigate alerts, determine true matches, and document defensible rationales.
• Prevent transactions involving any party linked to any sanctions list.
• Conduct monthly reviews to identify current or potential merchants and individuals; update internal watchlists and block those associated with financial crimes, illicit donations, virtual assets, or sanctions‑related risks.
• Handle internal sanctions‑related escalations and requests; ensure timely investigation, documentation, and escalation when warranted.
• Run KYC / CDD (and EDD when required) on new and existing customers.
• Monitor local and global sanctions updates; promptly implement all necessary changes to policies, systems, and controls.
• Maintain policies, procedures, and controls aligned with all applicable regulatory (SAMA) requirements.
• Coordinate with business units to assess sanctions risks in new products, complex deals, and high‑risk exposures.
• Provide regular AML / CTF sanctions compliance reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi‑annual, and annual) to the management.
• Deliver annual training and quarterly awareness messages on AML / CTF sanctions to all HALA staff.
• Apply Wolfsberg principles and best practices when assessing correspondent banking and remittance relationships.
• Act as the main point of contact for regulators, auditors, and law enforcement; lead audit and inspection preparations and ensure timely resolution of any observations.
• Respond to all SAMA information requests within required timelines, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Continuously improve workflows by reducing false positives, automating reviews, and enhancing data quality.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by the Head of AML / CTF or their delegate.

Qualifications

What We Offer You

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