Money Laundering Reporting Officer Job Description UAE 2025
A Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) in UAE earns between AED 240,000 and AED 480,000 per year. The role holds the regulatory MLRO designation with the UAE Central Bank, DFSA, or ADGM FSRA and is responsible for the AML/CFT compliance programme and suspicious activity reporting.
Money Laundering Reporting Officer in UAE — Key Facts
The Money Laundering Reporting Officer role in UAE operates under employment contracts governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulates all mainland employment. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority employment regulations. Salaries stated are benchmarked to the UAE market as of April 2025.
All employment contracts in the UAE must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Money Laundering Reporting Officer roles in mainland UAE require Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contracts. End-of-service gratuity is calculated at 21 days per year of service for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Money Laundering Reporting Officer earn in UAE?
A Money Laundering Reporting Officer in UAE earns AED 240,000–480,000 per year. Roles in Abu Dhabi government-linked organisations and large multinational corporations pay at the upper end. Free zone and private sector roles pay at the lower to mid range.
What experience does a Money Laundering Reporting Officer need in UAE?
UAE employers require 8–14 years of relevant experience for Money Laundering Reporting Officer positions. Candidates with professional qualifications (IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS, or equivalent) and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Money Laundering Reporting Officers?
RFS sources Money Laundering Reporting Officer candidates from its UAE facilities management network. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Money Laundering Reporting Officer does in UAE
A Money Laundering Reporting Officer in UAE holds designated AML compliance status for a UAE-licensed financial institution or DNFBP, personally accountable under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 for the AML/CFT programme and for filing Suspicious Transaction Reports with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit via goAML. Approval from the UAE Central Bank, DFSA, or FSRA is mandatory before appointment.
Key responsibilities
- Receive, review, and determine disposition of internal suspicious activity reports from staff
- File Suspicious Transaction Reports with UAE FIU via goAML within required timelines
- Manage the AML/CFT programme including policies, procedures, and staff training
- Oversee transaction monitoring system alert investigation and escalation
- Conduct AML risk assessments at institutional and customer risk levels
- Manage KYC and CDD quality reviews for high-risk and PEP customer accounts
- Coordinate UAE Central Bank, DFSA, or FSRA AML examination responses
- Maintain AML policies aligned with CBUAE Guidelines and FATF Recommendations
- Deliver AML training and track staff completion rates
- Report STR statistics and AML programme effectiveness to the Board Audit Committee
Qualifications required
- CAMS certification strongly preferred
- 5 to 10 years AML experience with at least 3 years as MLRO in a UAE-licensed entity
- Prior approval from UAE Central Bank, DFSA, or FSRA as MLRO mandatory
- Deep knowledge of UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and CBUAE AML/CFT Guidelines
- Direct UAE FIU goAML platform experience for STR submissions
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE FIU and authority interactions
- Experience managing AML examinations by UAE supervisory authorities
- Understanding of FATF Recommendation 16 and wire transfer compliance
MLRO salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| UAE national bank (Emirates NBD, FAB, Mashreq) | 320,000–560,000 |
| International bank DIFC or ADGM | 380,000–640,000 |
| Islamic bank (DIB, ADIB, Dubai Islamic Bank) | 300,000–520,000 |
| DIFC-licensed fintech or financial firm | 280,000–500,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
MLRO roles carry 60 to 90 day notice periods in UAE with mandatory UAE Central Bank or DFSA notification before departure. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 applies to your end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Money Laundering Reporting Officer in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Money Laundering Reporting Officer candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee.
recruitment agency Dubai UAE
Emiratisation recruitment agency UAE
UAE salary guide 2025
talk to a recruiter Dubai
UAE Market Data — Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 25,000 – 45,000
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Seniority Level
Director / Senior Compliance
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
ICA / CAMS / ACAMS mandatory for DIFC and ADGM entities. DFSA Approved Person required for DIFC MLROs.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
UAE AML/CFT framework (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018), CBUAE AML guidelines, DFSA AML Rulebook, FATF compliance, goAML system reporting (UAE FIU), OFAC/UN/EU sanctions screening.
Hire This Role with RFS HR Consultancy
RFS HR Consultancy places money laundering reporting officer (mlro) professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE and GCC. View our finance and banking recruitment agency Dubai or check the finance salary guide UAE 2025.
Other Banking and Finance Role Guides
Related Compliance & Risk Roles