Norah Alharbi
Riyadh,KSA
Summary
Experienced and trusted compliance leader with over 17 years of hands-on expertise in AML, CTF, sanctions, and regulatory compliance across both local and foreign banking sectors. Known for leading transformation initiatives, including system migrations and bank integrations. Actively engaged with regulatory bodies through roles on AML and supervisory committees, with a deep understanding of evolving regulatory landscapes. A committed advocate of compliance education, recognized for designing and delivering impactful training programs tailored to all organizational levels—from onboarding new joiners to enhancing awareness among senior management. Regularly updates learning materials in line with regulatory changes and embeds a culture of accountability and vigilance. Brings a strong foundation in policy development, risk mitigation, and regulatory engagement, with a focus on fostering a culture of compliance excellence through continuous learning and professional development.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2008
2008
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Compliance
UBS
Riyadh, KSA
08.2024 - 05.2025
- SAMA-approved Head of Compliance & MLRO, leading Compliance Programme and representing Compliance in governance and risk forums.
- Built strong regulatory relationships and managed all interactions with SAMA, including exams, inquiries, and reporting.
- Designed and executed compliance training and awareness initiatives to embed strong compliance culture across business.
- Developed and implemented AML/KYC policies, conducted risk assessments, and oversaw monitoring and investigations of breaches.
- MLRO and Anti-Fraud Officer, ensuring effective management of financial crime risks and regulatory escalations.
- Managed team of compliance officers to achieve organizational goals.
Deputy Head of Compliance
UBS
Riyadh, KSA
04.2021 - 08.2024
- Deputized Head of Compliance, supporting controlled business growth and regulatory alignment across all divisions.
- SAMA- approved Head of Self Supervisory Unit (SSU) and acted as Compliance delegate in governance and risk forums.
- Maintained proactive engagement with SAMA, managing inquiries, AML/CTF requests, and regulatory reporting.
- Delivered employee training and awareness on compliance and AML obligations; oversaw policy implementation and KYC supervision.
- Performed Compliance Risk Assessments, supported AML investigations, and contributed to new business projects and regulatory approvals.
MLRO- Compliance Officer
BNP Paribas
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
08.2017 - 04.2021
- SAMA-approved MLRO overseeing AML, CTF, financial crime, and sanctions compliance.
- Managed SSU alerts, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting to FIU.
- Reviewed and approved high-risk client onboarding in line with regulatory standards.
- Led and coordinated regulatory inspections and internal audit reviews.
- Delivered regular compliance training and awareness programs across branch.
- Acted as ABC correspondent, responsible for ABC risk mapping, stakeholder coordination, and policy guidance.
- Responded to Central Bank requests and participated in national financial crime committees.
- Supported development and implementation of internal compliance policies and controls.
- Detection and decision process: To advise on corruption cases and on PEPs approval and recertification.
Compliance – Monitoring Team
Riyadh Bank
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
10.2016 - 07.2017
- Supported day-to-day compliance operations and advised business units on regulatory requirements.
- Assisted in product/service, compliance audit reviews to ensure alignment with compliance standards and addressed identified gaps.
- Coordinated follow-up actions on SAMA inspection findings to ensure timely resolution.
Assistant manager Anti- Money Laundering Officer
Riyadh Bank
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
06.2015 - 09.2016
- Controls analysis of clients' profile in case of suspicious transactions.
- Reviews accurate development and implementation of all required tools, systems and processes to identify, assess, report and monitor any sanctions suspicious activity.
- Review Correspondent Banking Relationships
- Clearing sanction hits
- Keeps abreast of global trends, international standards, SAMA requirements concerning sanctions.
- Contributes to identification of opportunities for continuous improvement of systems, processes and practices taking into account ‘international best practice', improvement of business processes, cost reduction and productivity improvement.
Relationship Manager
Aljazeera Capital
Saudi Arabia
03.2012 - 06.2015
- Opening investment accounts, solving customers' problems, transfer money from/ to investment accounts, activate internet trading, direct customers to best mutual fund investment according to their needs.
Investment Consultant
Samba-Capital
Saudi Arabia
12.2007 - 09.2011
- Opening investment accounts, solving customers' problems, transfer money from/ to investment accounts, activate internet trading, direct customers to the best mutual fund investment according to their needs.
Education
Bachelor's degree - English literature
King Saud University
Skills
- Compliance Leadership & Regulatory Knowledge
- AML, Sanctions & KYC Expertise
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Training Delivery & Team Mentoring
- Audit Reporting & Regulatory Engagement
- FATCA, CRS & International Compliance Standards
- Effective Communication & Negotiation
- Problem Solving & Achievement Orientation
- Mutual Fund Sales Knowledge
- Team Building & Self-Motivation
Languages
English
Fluent
Arabic
Native
Certification
- Certified Compliance Manager (CCM) ; Global Compliance Institute
- Train the Trainer: The Learning Academy
- CME-1 & 2
- ACAMS
- IFSCO International Financial Sanctions Compliance Officer.
- ICCGO: International Certified Corporate Governance Officer
- AML & Counter Terrorist Financing
- Audit Report writing skills
- Mutual Funds sales skills & knowledge.
- The Art of Negotiation
- Managers And Leaders
- Building a Successful Team
References
References available upon request.
Achievements
- Led the integration of two FBB banks, aligning systems and processes to ensure a smooth transition.
- Oversaw implementation of Finscan for client and transaction screening; contributed to the migration from manual (Search Space) to automated AML systems (Actimize, Mantas).
- Developed AML/CTF procedures and guidelines to mitigate financial crime risks.
- Delivered AML/CTF training, updated awareness materials, and onboarded new joiners.
- Participated in key regulatory committees: SAMA’s Anti-Financial Crimes & Money Laundering Committee (AFCML), Self-Supervisory Unit (SSU), and Chief Compliance Officers Committee (CCO).
- Contributed to the implementation of Client Tax Risk Scoring (CTRS).
- Gained hands-on experience across both local and newly established FBB banks
Timeline
Head of Compliance
UBS
08.2024 - 05.2025
Deputy Head of Compliance
UBS
04.2021 - 08.2024
MLRO- Compliance Officer
BNP Paribas
08.2017 - 04.2021
Compliance – Monitoring Team
Riyadh Bank
10.2016 - 07.2017
Assistant manager Anti- Money Laundering Officer
Riyadh Bank
06.2015 - 09.2016
Relationship Manager
Aljazeera Capital
03.2012 - 06.2015
Investment Consultant
Samba-Capital
12.2007 - 09.2011
Bachelor's degree - English literature
King Saud University
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