Who Are We

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

HALA currently holds multiple entities in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt (including HALA Payments 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 currently licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank.

Job Summary

Responsible for managing and enhancing the transaction monitoring framework to ensure timely detection, investigation, and escalation of suspicious activities in line with SAMA regulations and internal AML policies. The role oversees monitoring controls, alert management, quality assurance, and team performance to mitigate money laundering and terrorist financing risks

JOB-SPECIFIC Responsibilities:

• Own and operate the AML/CTF monitoring function end to end, including customer acceptance, KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, investigations, escalation, and ongoing risk management.
• Review customer onboarding and periodic KYC updates and obtain the required approvals for high-risk customers, PEPs, complex ownership structures, UBOs, and source of funds/source of wealth assessments, with clear documentation and audit-ready records.
• Design, maintain, review, test, and enhance transaction monitoring scenarios, rules, thresholds, and logic to ensure effective detection of money laundering and terrorist financing risks and continuous improvement of monitoring quality.
• Oversee alert handling and investigations lifecycle, ensuring timely review, sound analysis, proper documentation, and structured escalation of suspicious cases to the AML/CTF reporting function for submission to the FIU.
• Review and update customer risk ratings (low, medium, high) based on relevant internal and external risk factors, changes in customer profile or behavior, regulatory or legal developments, and other material risk indicators, ensuring appropriate approvals, governance, and documentation.
• Lead AML/CTF risk assessments covering customers, products, services, delivery channels, geographic exposure, and the size and nature of Hala’s activities, and ensure that monitoring, due diligence, and control measures remain aligned with the identified risk levels.
• Act as the primary AML/CTF advisor to relevant internal stakeholders, including Business, Product, Operations, Technology, Risk, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Customer care, and senior governance committees, providing guidance on initiatives, changes, and AML/CTF risk mitigation measures.
• Lead AML-related systems enhancements and data quality improvements in coordination with technology and operations teams, including automation, optimization of workflows, and reduction of false positives.
• Prepare and oversee periodic AML/CTF reports, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports, ensuring meaningful metrics, trends, and management information.
• Represent the organization in AML/CTF matters with regulators, internal audit, and external reviewers, including inspections, information requests, and follow-up actions.
• Develop and execute the annual AML/CTF plan for the unit, including objectives, initiatives, KPIs, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Lead, manage, and develop the AML/CTF team by allocating tasks, managing workloads, evaluating performance, and delivering targeted training and awareness programs.
• Continuously monitor regulatory developments and industry typologies, translating them into practical enhancements to AML/CTF policies, controls, monitoring, and investigations.
• Perform any additional AML/CTF-related duties assigned by the Head of AML/CTF or MLRO.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Equivalent years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

The education levels can be replaced by years of experience

Experience

7+ years in AML monitoring/investigations

Skills

Strong knowledge of AML/CTF regulations and SAMA requirements.

In-depth understanding of transaction monitoring systems and scenario tuning.

Strong risk assessment and decision-making capability.

Ability to analyze complex transaction patterns and emerging typologies.

Leadership and team management skills.

Stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination.

Strong reporting and presentation skills.

Analytical mindset with problem-solving capability

Relevant certifications such as CCO, CAMS, or equivalent.

Fluent in Arabic and English.

Core Competencies

Governance & Risk Oversight – Advanced

Decision-Making & Judgment – Advanced

Leadership & Team Management – Advanced

Strategic Thinking – Advanced

Stakeholder Management – Advanced

Analytical Skills – Advanced

• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that encourages innovation and flexibility in remote, in-office, and hybrid work setups.
• We offer highly competitive compensation packages, including the potential for shares.
• We prioritize personal development and offer regular training and an annual learning stipend to tackle new challenges and grow your career in a hyper-growth environment.
• Join a talented team of over 30 nationalities working in 7 countries and gain valuable experience in an exciting industry.
• We offer autonomy, mentoring, and challenging goals that create incredible opportunities for both you and the company.
• You will be given a lot of responsibility and trust. We believe that the best results come when the people responsible for a function are given the freedom to do what they think is best.