Job Description

### Job Title : Transaction Monitoring Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Department : Financial Crime Compliance

Location : Dubai


Reports to : Head of Financial Crime Compliance / Head of AML Operations

Employment Type : Full-time

### Job Overview :


The Transaction Monitoring Subject Matter Expert (SME) will be responsible for leading the review, optimization, and potential replacement of the bank's Transaction Monitoring System (TMS). As the bank seeks to modernize its financial crime detection capabilities, the SME will evaluate current systems, identify gaps, and work on the implementation of a next-generation solution. This role is crucial in ensuring the bank's transaction monitoring capabilities are aligned with both regulatory standards and the bank's risk appetite.


The SME will collaborate with key stakeholders, including compliance, IT, and operations, to ensure that the new or optimized TMS effectively mitigates financial crime risks while maintaining operational efficiency. The role is based in Dubai, with a focus on aligning with both local and international regulatory frameworks.

Requirements

### Key Responsibilities :

### 1. TMS Evaluation & Modernization

• Lead a comprehensive evaluation of the existing Transaction Monitoring System, identifying gaps and inefficiencies.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to design a roadmap for updating or replacing the TMS.
• Manage the end-to-end process of selecting and implementing a new TMS, ensuring that it aligns with the bank's financial crime risk management strategies.
• Develop and test new transaction monitoring rules and scenarios that address the bank's specific risk profile and customer base.

### 2. TMS Fine-Tuning & Scenario Optimization

• Oversee the optimization of transaction monitoring thresholds, scenarios, and rules to improve detection of suspicious activity while reducing false positives.
• Work closely with data analytics teams to analyze transaction data, refine monitoring scenarios, and ensure the TMS is tailored to the bank's evolving risk landscape.
• Ensure the TMS is calibrated to monitor a wide variety of financial crime risks, including money laundering, terrorism financing, and sanctions violations.

### 3. Project Management & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as the project lead for the TMS modernization initiative, coordinating with key stakeholders across compliance, IT, and operations.
• Engage with external vendors to oversee the integration of new technologies or upgrades into the existing financial crime framework.
• Ensure regular communication with senior management on the progress of the TMS upgrade, including risk assessments, timeline management, and budget considerations.

### 4. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure the TMS complies with both local (e.g., UAE Central Bank regulations) and international regulatory requirements, including those set by FATF, OFAC, and the EU.
• Conduct regular audits and scenario testing to ensure the TMS remains in compliance with the latest regulations and industry standards.
• Prepare and submit necessary reports to regulatory bodies regarding TMS upgrades, changes, and performance outcomes.

### 5. Training & User Adoption

• Develop training programs for compliance, risk, and operational staff to ensure smooth adoption of the new or optimized TMS.
• Provide ongoing support and training to ensure staff are fully equipped to use the updated system and understand the transaction monitoring processes.
• Create user manuals and guidelines to facilitate proper usage of the TMS across all relevant departments.

### 6. Technology Integration & Continuous Improvement

• Work with IT and technology teams to ensure seamless integration of the TMS with other financial crime systems, including KYC, sanctions screening, and fraud detection platforms.
• Stay informed of new technologies and innovations in financial crime detection and make recommendations for continuous system improvements.
• Promote the use of data analytics, machine learning, and other advanced technologies to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of transaction monitoring.

### 7. Performance Monitoring & Continuous Tuning

• Continuously monitor the performance of the TMS, conducting periodic reviews to assess system effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives to fine-tune the system based on data-driven insights, emerging risks, and regulatory changes.
• Conduct root cause analysis on false positives and negatives, and adjust monitoring scenarios accordingly.

### Key Skills & Competencies :

• Technical Expertise in TMS : Strong knowledge of transaction monitoring systems, including rules development, optimization, and system replacement processes.
• Project Management : Ability to lead large-scale TMS upgrade projects, including vendor selection, implementation, and integration.
• Data Analytics & Technology : Proficiency in data analysis tools and methodologies to assess TMS performance and optimize scenarios.
• Regulatory Knowledge : Deep understanding of both UAE and international AML/CTF regulations, sanctions requirements, and financial crime compliance obligations.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation : Ability to troubleshoot system issues, reduce false positives, and identify opportunities for system improvements.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management : Strong communication skills to engage with senior management, regulatory bodies, and technical teams.

### Qualifications & Experience :

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Computer Science, or a related field. A professional qualification in financial crime compliance (e.g., CAMS, ICA) is preferred.
• At least 7 years of experience working with transaction monitoring systems in a financial services or banking environment, including system implementation or upgrades.
• Proven experience in managing TMS projects, including system evaluation, scenario calibration, and regulatory reporting.
• Knowledge of leading TMS platforms such as Actimize, Oracle Mantas, or SAS AML, as well as familiarity with data analytics tools and machine learning frameworks.
• Experience working in the UAE or Middle East is advantageous, with a strong understanding of local regulations.

Benefits

### Benefits :

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Health insurance and wellness benefits.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).
• Dynamic work environment within a leading bank in Dubai.

### Application Process :


Interested candidates should submit their CV.


This role offers an excellent opportunity to be at the forefront of financial crime detection for a major bank in the Middle East. The ideal candidate will be technically skilled, with a passion for leveraging technology to ensure the bank remains compliant and secure.