Head of AML/CFT & Sanctions Operations

About the Company

Commercial Bank of Qatar was established in 1975 and is based in Doha. The bank supports Qatar’s economy through a broad mix of personal, business, government, international, and investment services. It promotes employee growth, professional learning, innovation, balance between work and personal life, and an environment where people can reach their potential.

Be part of a team helping shape the future of banking.

Role Overview

This position is responsible for setting the direction, vision, and operating approach for the AML/CTF Operations unit. The role oversees the full range of activities connected to the review of transaction monitoring alerts and cases, as well as name and transaction screening hits generated by bank systems or escalated manually for AML/CTF and sanctions assessment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate AML/CFT Operations activities related to the review of transaction monitoring alerts, cases, and screening hits so that money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions risks are properly identified and managed.
• Track the speed and quality of reviews performed by AML/CFT Operations staff, making sure work aligns with the bank’s risk appetite and service-level expectations, and take corrective action when performance needs improvement.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of AML/CFT transaction monitoring tools, including testing new functionality and supporting its release into production.
• Design, test, and roll out new AML monitoring scenarios, while also fine-tuning existing scenarios and thresholds to improve detection of key ML/TF patterns.
• Create, test, and implement sanctions screening logic and settings, and continuously refine them to improve screening performance and reduce false alerts.
• Report regularly to senior management and relevant forums on the state of AML/CFT processes and controls within the AML/CTF Operations unit.
• Deliver focused training and continuous guidance to staff to ensure timely, accurate handling of transaction monitoring and screening reviews.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
• CAMS certification.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant experience in compliance and anti-money laundering within a large domestic or international bank.
• Strong understanding of AML/CTF processes and KYC regulations.
• Prior experience in people management.
• Deep knowledge of AML investigation methods and evidence collection practices.
• Good understanding of banking products and broader business operations.
• Excellent organization and time management capabilities.
• Strong research ability, including use of online search tools.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet tools, and online research platforms.
• Strong written, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
• English fluency is required; spoken and written Arabic is preferred.
• Ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable working under pressure with strong attention to detail.
• Awareness of local cultural and social considerations, as well as labour law provisions.

Competencies and Core Skills

• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities.
• Clear communication and active listening.
• Integrity and ethical judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership ability.
• Problem solving and analytical thinking.
• Results orientation and sense of urgency.
• Strategic thinking and team leadership.
• Collaborative mindset and teamwork.

Why Join Commercial Bank

• Award-winning digital banking environment recognized in the Middle East in 2024 for digital banking and mobile banking excellence.
• An innovation-led, digital-first workplace with modern tools and technologies.
• Exposure to international partnerships and global working perspectives.
• Support for employee well-being and work-life balance.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Important Notice

Only shortlisted candidates will move forward in the hiring process. The organization may change, withdraw, or close this opportunity at any time without prior notice.