Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Representative Officer to lead and manage the UAE Representative Office of a corporate banking institution. Based in Dubai, this role carries full responsibility for the day-to-day management, supervision, and regulatory compliance of the Representative Office.

The position serves as the primary liaison between Head Office and UAE-based stakeholders, including customers, regulators, correspondent banks, investors, and financial institutions. The successful candidate will play a critical role in business development, market intelligence, regulatory coordination, and relationship management across the UAE and wider GCC region, while ensuring full adherence to UAE regulatory and AML requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Representative Office Management & Governance

• Oversee the day-to-day management, supervision, and control of the UAE Representative Office.

• Ensure operations are conducted lawfully, ethically, and in compliance with UAE regulations and internal policies.

• Support and coordinate with the designated MLRO in enforcing AML requirements across all activities.

• Maintain high ethical standards and a strong compliance culture within the Representative Office.

Business Development & Relationship Management

• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with financial institutions, corporates, DFIs, trade partners, and investors across the GCC region.

• Identify trade finance, investment, and correspondent banking opportunities and channel them to Head Office.

• Represent the Bank at industry conferences, networking events, and regional forums.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Monitor UAE market developments and assess their impact on the Bank’s FI business and correspondent relationships.

• Provide Head Office with timely market intelligence, economic insights, data, and analytical reports.

• Maintain strong working relationships with correspondent banks and key financial institutions in the region.

Client Liaison & Coordination

• Act as the first point of contact between the Bank and prospective UAE and GCC clients.

• Gather sector-specific intelligence and client information relevant to the Bank’s strategic interests.

• Coordinate client meetings, roadshows, and visits by senior executives from Head Office.

Facilitation & Deal Support

• Support Head Office deal origination teams (corporate banking, trade finance, institutional banking, treasury).

• Assist with coordination of due diligence, KYC documentation, and client onboarding processes.

Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Ensure the Representative Office operates strictly within the scope of its license.

• Liaise with DIFC, DFSA, UAE Central Bank, and other authorities as required.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with UAE regulations and Head Office requirements.

• Report any suspicious activities or transactions to the MLRO in accordance with AML policies.

Administration, Controls & Reporting

• Ensure all Representative Office staff comply with UAE regulatory requirements, internal policies, and procedures.

• Prepare and manage the Representative Office operational budget, including monthly expense tracking.

• Establish effective internal controls, segregation of duties, reporting lines, and governance structures.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Banking, Marketing, Law, or a related discipline.

• Master’s degree in a business-related field is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in the banking sector, with a proven leadership track record.

• At least 2 years of UAE experience with exposure to regional GCC markets.

• Established professional network within the UAE financial and banking community is highly desirable.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of banking operations and products.

• Knowledge of foreign trade processes and correspondent banking.

• Solid understanding of UAE banking laws, regulations, and compliance frameworks.

• Practical knowledge of AML requirements and controls.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent networking and relationship management skills.

• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication abilities.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• High level of cultural sensitivity and regional market awareness.

• Strong planning, organizational, and change management capabilities.

• Unquestionable ethical standards and compliance-driven mindset.

About the Company – Radar Recruitment

Founded in 2004, Radar Recruitment was established to support Tanzanian professionals in accessing transparent, fair, and high-quality career opportunities. Over the years, Radar has built a strong reputation as a leading HR solutions provider in Tanzania, operating with the highest levels of integrity.