Head of Business Risk and Controls Management

About Emirates NBD

Established in 2007 through the merger of Emirates Bank International and National Bank of Dubai, Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C) has become the leading financial institution in the UAE and one of the largest in the GCC region. Headquartered in Dubai, the bank operates international branches in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, India, and the UK, has wholly owned subsidiaries in Egypt and Turkey, and representative offices across China, Indonesia, and Turkey. It offers a comprehensive suite of banking services.

Role Overview

The Head of Business Risk & Controls is charged with steering the Bank's First Line of Defence Risk and Controls function within the branch environment. This role supports Private Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and essential Control and Corporate functions such as Finance, HR, and First Line Compliance.

This position's core responsibility is to embed and operationalize the bank's Operational Risk Management Framework within the First Line, enhancing governance practices, strengthening control structures, and fostering a culture of risk ownership throughout the enterprise.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor on Risk and Controls to both Business and Functional Heads, offering actionable guidance to underpin sound decision-making and effective risk management.
• Drive the adoption and implementation of the bank's Operational Risk Management Framework within the First Line of Defence.
• Manage and uphold the First Line Internal Controls Framework.
• Lead the Business Controls Committee to ensure solid governance, accurate reporting, diligent follow-ups, and appropriate escalation of significant risks and issues.
• Collaborate closely with Change Leadership, Product Management, and Business stakeholders throughout the New Product & Process Approval (NPPA) lifecycle.
• Act as the key interface among Business units, Corporate Functions, and independent control teams including Operational Risk, Compliance, Financial Crime, Credit Risk, Legal, Technology Risk, and Internal Audit.
• Oversee identification, reporting, and remediation of operational risk incidents, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and prompt corrective actions.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent professional qualification.
• At least 12 years of expertise in Business Risk & Controls, Operational Risk, Internal Controls, Enterprise Risk, or comparable roles in banking or financial services.
• Deep familiarity with the Three Lines of Defence model and the responsibilities of the First Line Risk & Controls function.
• Experience establishing Operational Risk Management Frameworks within regulated financial entities.
• Proven track record managing Risk and Control Self-Assessments, control testing programs, governance, and internal controls monitoring.
• Experience with New Product & Process Approval or similar change governance procedures.
• Ability to develop and report on Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), management reports, and executive-level communications.
• Strong understanding of FCA and PRA regulatory requirements, operational risk management, and governance standards.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influence skills enabling effective collaboration across Business, Operations, and Control functions.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.

Additional Information

Emirates NBD is a highly recognized brand in the region and a leader in banking innovation. The bank is expanding its presence both within the UAE and globally, offering a range of professional growth opportunities to help accelerate careers. Emirates NBD provides competitive compensation packages, benefits, and offers flexible work arrangements, including the possibility to work from home when suitable.

The bank encourages individuals whose skills align with the outlined responsibilities and qualifications to apply.