JOB ADVERT FOR HEAD OF COMPLIANCE / MONEY LAUNDERING CONTROL OFFICER (MLCO)
Reporting to: Managing Director
Supervises: The Compliance Department
Job Purpose
To provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Bank’s Compliance function, ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations and regulatory requirements across conventional and Islamic banking operations. The role will lead the Bank’s compliance, AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions frameworks, coordinate Sharia compliance oversight, and provide independent advice and assurance to Management and the Board on regulatory and compliance risks.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement and oversee the Bank-wide compliance framework, policies and risk-based compliance monitoring plan.
- Ensure compliance with applicable banking laws, regulations, regulatory directives and customer protection requirements.
- Lead the Bank’s AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions compliance programmes, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and suspicious transaction reporting.
- Oversee regulatory reporting, engagement with regulatory authorities, regulatory examinations and timely implementation of remedial actions.
- Coordinate Sharia compliance oversight across Islamic banking operations in collaboration with the Sharia Advisory Board and designated Sharia compliance specialists.
- Review new products, services, business initiatives and delivery channels to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and approved Sharia requirements.
- Conduct independent compliance reviews, identify emerging risks, investigate breaches and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
- Provide regular compliance and AML reports to Management and the Board, escalating material breaches and emerging risks.
- Lead, develop and mentor the Compliance team while promoting a strong culture of ethics, integrity and regulatory accountability.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
- Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or any other relevant/related field.
- Training or certification in Islamic Banking and Sharia governance.
- At least 10 years’ relevant experience in banking compliance, regulatory risk, AML or related control functions, including at least five years in a senior Head of Compliance role within a financial institution.
- Demonstrated experience in AML/CFT compliance, regulatory engagement, compliance monitoring and reporting.
- Working knowledge and practical experience in Islamic banking, Sharia governance and Islamic financial contracts.
- Professional qualifications or certifications in Compliance, AML, Financial Crime, Law or Accounting will be an added advantage.
Required Competencies
- Strong knowledge of banking regulations, AML/CFT/CPF, sanctions and risk-based compliance frameworks.
- Sound regulatory judgement, independence and professional integrity.
- Understanding of Islamic banking principles and Sharia compliance governance.
- Excellent leadership, analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong reporting, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- High levels of confidentiality, discretion and ethical conduct.
NOTE: Tropical Bank Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants wil be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability status Recruitment is strictly based on ment Offering, soliciting, or accepting any form of undue advantage during the recruitment process will result in automatic disqualification.
DEADLINE is 17th NOVEMBER 2026
In accordance with the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, Tropical Bank Ltd is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal data collected during the recruitment process. By submitting your application, you consent to the collection, use, and processing of your personal information solely for recruitment and employment purposes, and in compliance with applicable date protection laws. Your information will not be shared with unauthorized third parties and will be retained only as long as necessary for the stated purposes.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.