Job Description

### Job Title : Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Department : Risk Management

Location : Dubai

Reports to : Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Board of Directors

Employment Type : Full-time

### Job Overview :


The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) will be responsible for overseeing the risk management function for the bank's operations in Dubai, ensuring that all risks--financial, operational, regulatory, and strategic--are identified, assessed, and managed in alignment with both local and international standards. This executive role will focus on enhancing the bank's risk management framework, including capital management, credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and regulatory compliance.


The CRO will work closely with senior leadership, regulators, and external stakeholders to ensure the bank's risk management strategies support its business objectives while maintaining compliance with the UAE's regulatory landscape. The CRO will also be instrumental in cultivating a risk-aware culture across the organization.

Requirements

### Key Responsibilities :

### 1. Risk Management Strategy & Framework

• Develop and lead the implementation of the bank's risk management framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements in Dubai and broader business objectives.
• Define the risk appetite and tolerance levels in collaboration with the Board of Directors, establishing appropriate risk governance structures.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify emerging risks and propose mitigation strategies that align with the bank's growth plans.

### 2. Operational & Enterprise Risk Management

• Oversee operational risk management processes, ensuring that business continuity, cyber-security, fraud prevention, and technology risks are properly addressed.
• Implement risk controls across operational functions and monitor key risk indicators to prevent operational losses and business disruptions.
• Ensure enterprise-wide risk management practices are embedded in all business units, providing oversight of risk management processes for new projects and ventures.

### 3. Credit & Financial Risk Oversight

• Lead the management of credit risks, including overseeing credit policy frameworks, loan approvals, and portfolio risk monitoring.
• Manage financial risks, including market and liquidity risks, working closely with the finance and treasury teams to optimize capital allocation and liquidity planning.
• Conduct stress tests, scenario analysis, and capital adequacy assessments to ensure the bank's financial stability under various risk scenarios.

### 4. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations and international frameworks such as Basel III, FATF, and IFRS 9.
• Lead the development and implementation of regulatory compliance risk management strategies, ensuring adherence to all legal and regulatory obligations.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities in Dubai and other international jurisdictions, preparing regular reports on the bank's risk profile and mitigation strategies.

### 5. Strategic Risk Management

• Provide strategic advice to senior management on risks related to new business initiatives, market expansion, and digital transformation projects.
• Monitor geopolitical, economic, and regulatory changes in the UAE and international markets, assessing their potential impact on the bank's operations.
• Evaluate strategic risks associated with mergers and acquisitions, investments, and long-term business strategies.

### 6. Risk Culture & Awareness

• Foster a risk-aware culture throughout the organization by providing ongoing training and awareness programs for staff at all levels.
• Ensure risk management policies and procedures are communicated clearly and adhered to across all business functions.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to promote an integrated approach to risk management, encouraging proactive identification and management of risks.

### 7. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing risk management team, ensuring the department has the skills and expertise needed to manage complex risks.
• Ensure continuous professional development within the risk management function, keeping the team updated on emerging risks, regulations, and best practices.
• Build a collaborative, transparent, and forward-thinking risk management function capable of supporting the bank's growth in Dubai and international markets.

### 8. Crisis Management & Incident Response

• Lead the bank's crisis management efforts, ensuring comprehensive incident response plans are in place for cyber-attacks, regulatory breaches, and operational failures.
• Work closely with the internal audit, compliance, and IT teams to conduct post-incident reviews and apply lessons learned from risk events.
• Ensure readiness for emergency situations, including regulatory investigations and business continuity disruptions.

### Key Skills & Competencies :

• Strategic Leadership : Strong leadership skills with the ability to design and implement risk management strategies that align with the bank's growth and regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Expertise : In-depth knowledge of UAE banking regulations, as well as global risk management frameworks such as Basel III, AML/CTF standards, and IFRS 9.
• Financial & Credit Risk Management : Expertise in managing market, credit, and liquidity risks, with the ability to perform stress testing and capital planning.
• Operational & Enterprise Risk : Strong experience in managing operational risk, including cyber-security, business continuity, and fraud prevention.
• Analytical & Decision-Making : Strong analytical skills to assess risk exposures and develop mitigation strategies, with the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage with regulators, board members, and senior leadership.

### Qualifications & Experience :

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Risk Management, Economics, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CFA, FRM, or PRM are highly desirable.
• 10+ years of experience in risk management, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership position within the banking or financial services sector.
• Strong experience in managing financial, operational, and regulatory risks in the UAE, with a solid understanding of local banking regulations.
• Proven track record of working closely with regulators, auditors, and senior management on complex risk management issues.
• Experience with risk management tools and software, including enterprise risk management systems.

Benefits

### Benefits :

• Competitive salary and executive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness benefits.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).
• Opportunity to shape risk management strategy within a leading Dubai-based bank.

### Application Process :


Interested candidates should submit their resumes - qualified candidates will be invited to an in-person meeting.


This is a unique opportunity for a senior risk professional to lead the risk management function in a growing and dynamic banking environment in Dubai. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with deep expertise in both local and international risk management practices.