Job Title: Compliance Officer, GIFT City Location: GIFT City, Gandhinagar Experience: 5-10 Years Education: CA / CS (Chartered Accountant / Company Secretary) highly preferred About Our Client Our client is a rapidly growing Category III Alternative Investment Fund manager , established in September 2022. In under three years, they've quickly achieved significant scale, amassing ₹71,655 crore (US $1.9 billion) in AUM , serving nearly 950 high-net-worth families across India. They operate with a distinct investment philosophy that emphasizes disciplined, long-term wealth creation, focusing on well-valued, high-quality businesses and consistent, risk-adjusted performance. Their culture is driven by intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and innovation, bringing together some of the brightest minds in finance and economics. The Opportunity: Lead Compliance for a Growing IFSC Presence We're seeking a highly experienced and independent Compliance Officer to manage the entire compliance function for our client's established office in GIFT City . This pivotal role offers the opportunity to independently oversee all regulatory aspects within India's premier International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), working closely with the Mumbai office while taking full ownership of compliance for the GIFT City entity. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned compliance professional to build and maintain robust frameworks in a dynamic and evolving regulatory environment. Core Responsibilities: Ensuring Regulatory Excellence and Strategic Compliance As the Compliance Officer for the GIFT City office, you'll be instrumental in ensuring full adherence to all applicable regulatory frameworks, operating with a high degree of autonomy. 1. Regulatory Adherence & Interpretation: Act as the Principal Officer for GIFT City operations, overseeing all compliance activities. Ensure end-to-end compliance with IFSCA, SEZ, SEBI (for AIF/PMS), RBI/FEMA , and other relevant regulations specific to the IFSC. Proactively monitor and interpret evolving regulatory guidelines, circulars, and notifications from IFSCA and other bodies. Advise management on necessary policy and operational changes to ensure continuous compliance. 2. Regulatory Filings & Reporting: Oversee the timely preparation, review, and submission of all regulatory filings, reports (e.g., SERF, APR), and responses to IFSCA, SEZ authorities, and other regulators. Ensure accuracy and completeness of all data submitted to regulatory bodies. 3. Policy & Framework Development: Develop, implement, and continuously review robust internal policies, procedures, and control frameworks specific to GIFT City operations (e.g., AML, KYC, FATCA, PMLA policies). Ensure all policies reflect the latest regulatory requirements and best practices within the IFSC. 4. Risk Management & Internal Controls: Conduct comprehensive compliance risk assessments (e.g., RCSA) and implement effective mitigation strategies. Monitor compliance and risk management activities, providing regular reports to senior management and the Mumbai office. Conduct internal compliance audits and facilitate external audits (statutory, internal) and regulatory inspections. 5. Advisory & Training: Provide expert compliance advisory support to business and functional teams operating out of GIFT City. Develop and deliver compliance training programs to foster a strong culture of compliance among all employees in the GIFT City office. 6. Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory authorities, particularly IFSCA, and facilitate smooth communication and inspections. Liaise effectively with external auditors, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders (Board, Audit Committee, Mumbai oversight team). 7. Specific to Asset Management (AIF/PMS): Ensure compliance with specific Fund Management Entity (FME) regulations under IFSCA, including AIF and PMS guidelines. Oversee investor grievance redressal mechanisms. Manage taxation-related compliances for the GIFT City entity (e.g., Income Tax benefits, GST, TDS/TCS). Monitor and manage activities related to Name Screening (Sanctions, PEP, Adverse Media) and review suspicious transaction alerts (STRs). Desired Profile: Qualifications, Skills, and Mindset To excel in this critical and independent role, you must possess a unique blend of robust compliance expertise, strong independent judgment, and a proactive approach. A. Educational & Professional Credentials: CA (Chartered Accountant) or CS (Company Secretary) is highly preferred/essential. LLB, MBA (Finance), or other relevant professional qualifications will also be considered. Additional certifications like CFA or FRM are a plus. B. Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, or risk management within the financial services industry. Demonstrated experience in independently managing an entire compliance function. Prior experience working within GIFT City (IFSC) is a significant advantage, showcasing direct familiarity with IFSCA and SEZ regulations. Experience with AIF/PMS regulations and knowledge of offshore fund structures is highly preferred. Exposure to entities regulated by SEBI or RBI is valuable. C. Skills & Attributes: In-depth Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of IFSCA, SEBI, RBI, FEMA, Companies Act, SEZ Act, AML, KYC, and FATCA regulations. Strong Analytical Skills: Exceptional ability to interpret complex legal and regulatory texts and translate them into practical, actionable policies and procedures. Independent & Proactive: Proven ability to work autonomously, take initiative, manage multiple priorities, and meet stringent deadlines in a demanding environment. Excellent Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with regulators, auditors, senior management, and internal teams. Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in all compliance processes, filings, and documentation. High Ethical Standards: Unwavering integrity and a strong commitment to ethical conduct and regulatory principles. Local Presence: Preference will be given to candidates currently based in Ahmedabad or those willing to relocate to Ahmedabad/GIFT City. Why Join Our Client in GIFT City? Pioneering Role: Be a key player in managing the compliance function of a growing asset management firm within India's strategic IFSC. Autonomy & Impact: Take full ownership of compliance for the GIFT City office, with your expertise directly safeguarding the firm's operations. Specialized Expertise: Deepen your knowledge of the unique IFSCA regulatory framework, becoming an expert in this niche and high-demand area. Strategic Location: Work in GIFT City, an emerging global financial hub, offering unique career development opportunities. Collaborative Environment: While independent, you'll benefit from the oversight and collaboration with our experienced Mumbai office. If you are a highly capable and independent Compliance professional ready to take on the challenge of managing the entire compliance landscape in GIFT City for a reputable asset management firm, we encourage you to apply.
Job Title
Compliance Officer