Compliance Officer

About the Company and Department

At Franklin Templeton, success is fostered through strong partnerships. We are a progressive asset management firm dedicated to building dynamic, trust-based relationships with clients, comprehending their objectives, and navigating complex markets collaboratively. Utilizing innovative strategies and profound insights, we enable long-term wealth generation. Our globally diverse and talented teams contribute broad and unique expertise.

Our inclusive, welcoming culture paired with our worldwide operations offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, aligned with supporting client success.

Franklin Templeton has established its presence in the Middle East for more than two decades, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) office inaugurated in 2023. The KSA entity holds a license from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Saudi Arabia authorized to manage investments and operate funds, including separate account mandates and private funds.

The Global Compliance team, consisting of over 100 professionals worldwide, helps manage compliance risks by ensuring adherence to all laws, regulations, industry standards, and codes of conduct. This team collaborates closely with business units, risk, legal, and audit functions to safeguard the firm’s reputation and long-term viability.

Role Overview

The KSA Compliance Officer supports senior management in ensuring that the local entity complies with its licensing conditions and fulfills ongoing regulatory obligations imposed by local authorities. Reporting to the Vice President of Global Compliance for the Middle East and Africa based in London, this role involves establishing compliance processes, policies, and procedures tailored for the KSA office while collaborating across senior business leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously improve the Compliance Framework to ensure compliance with regulatory mandates, industry best practices, and alignment with business goals, including fulfilling board and regulator reporting requirements.
• Act as the authorized Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the KSA entity, managing all legal and regulatory responsibilities assigned to this role.
• Provide specialized regulatory and compliance guidance to senior management and employees to inform sound decision-making and ensure conformity with applicable laws, rules, and standards.
• Evaluate and advise on the efficacy of risk management processes, ensuring key risks in the business are appropriately identified, assessed, mitigated, and managed in compliance with regulator expectations.
• Collaborate with leadership, Human Resources, and Risk teams to develop and facilitate compliance and risk training programs fostering a culture of accountability and adherence.
• Lead compliance and corporate risk assessments by proactively identifying and appraising risks related to new products, activities, client relations, and organizational changes.
• Manage the execution of the Compliance and Risk Monitoring Program, ensuring effective reporting of findings and diligent follow-up on remediation measures until resolved.
• Serve as the primary regulatory contact with the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and relevant industry bodies, nurturing positive stakeholder relationships and representing the organization on regulatory affairs.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Possesses a Bachelor's degree or demonstrated equivalent business experience.
• Minimum of five years’ experience within the financial services sector, particularly in compliance or regulatory roles.
• Possesses the mandatory CMA licenses or authorizations required for the compliance role.
• Deep understanding of the KSA regulatory environment, including inspection procedures and pertinent rules and regulations.
• Strong knowledge of the financial services industry, focusing on asset management, mutual funds, and institutional business.
• Fluent in both Arabic and English with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional presentation capabilities with experience delivering information in staff, cross-functional, management meetings, and training contexts.
• Skilled at building robust partnerships within business units.
• Demonstrates strong analytical thinking and sound judgment.
• Capable of providing targeted technical guidance that enables business partners to effectively fulfill their responsibilities.
• Manages multiple priorities effectively within a fast-paced team environment and works cooperatively as a team member.

Diversity and Inclusion

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to ancestry, age, race, gender, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.