Regulated firms in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) are required to appoint individuals to perform key functions including Compliance Officer, Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), Deputy MLRO and Risk Officer. For many firms, outsourcing these roles is the most practical way to meet that obligation while maintaining independence, continuity and access to experienced professionals.
Ocorian provides senior specialists who can take on these responsibilities and support your business on an ongoing basis. Our outsourced roles are delivered with the same care, accountability and regulatory awareness as an in house appointment.
Outsourced Compliance Officer
We take responsibility for the design, oversight and ongoing operation of your compliance framework. Our responsibilities include:
- Overseeing compliance with Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) or Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) rules
- Maintaining and updating compliance policies and procedures
- Reviewing and approving onboarding files
- Managing regulatory reporting and notifications
- Supporting governance committees and board reporting
- Advising on new products, services and business changes
- Providing day to day compliance guidance to staff
- Acting as the primary point of contact with the regulator
Outsourced MLRO / Deputy MLRO
We provide experienced MLROs who can oversee your anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) framework so your firm meets its financial crime obligations. Our MLRO services include:
- Overseeing AML/CTF policies, procedures and controls
- Reviewing and approving customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence
- Assessing transaction monitoring alerts and escalation processes
- Managing suspicious activity reporting
- Conducting AML risk assessments
- Preparing AML reports for senior management and the board
- Liaising with the regulator on AML matters
- Providing ongoing advice on financial crime risks
Outsourced Risk Officer
For firms that require a dedicated risk function, we support with:
- Designing and maintaining your risk management framework
- Conducting risk assessments and control testing
- Supporting Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) and Internal Risk Assessment Process (IRAP) related activities where applicable
- Reporting on risk exposures and trends
- Advising on governance and oversight arrangements
- Supporting board and committee reporting
Day to day operational support
In addition to fulfilling controlled/authorised roles, we provide practical support across your compliance and AML operations. This support includes:
- Maintaining registers and records
- Preparing regulatory filings
- Supporting client onboarding
- Reviewing marketing materials
- Advising on regulatory developments
- Conducting periodic monitoring and testing
How does Ocorian's outsourcing model work?
We work closely with your teams and take the time to understand your risk profile, operations and regulatory needs. Our team includes senior practitioners and experts with regulatory and in-house compliance experience.
Frequently asked questions
Ocorian provides outsourced Compliance Officer, Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), Deputy MLRO and Risk Officer services for firms in the DIFC and ADGM, delivered with the same accountability, care and regulatory awareness as an in-house appointment.
Appointing a Compliance Officer, MLRO, Deputy MLRO and Risk Officer is a regulatory requirement. For many firms, outsourcing is the most practical way to meet it while maintaining independence, continuity and access to experienced practitioners.
Yes. Alongside fulfilling controlled and authorised roles, Ocorian supports registers and records, regulatory filings, client onboarding, marketing material reviews, periodic monitoring and testing, and advice on regulatory developments.