Job Description

VP Business Risk & Controls Jobs at Citi UAE – Wealth Management & Lending Careers 2026

If you are a UAE national seeking a senior leadership role in banking risk management, the position of VP, Business Risk & Controls at Citi UAE offers a high-impact and prestigious career opportunity. This role sits at the heart of Citi’s Wealth Management, Cards, and Unsecured Lending businesses and plays a critical part in ensuring strong governance, effective controls, and alignment with the firm’s global risk appetite.

A career at Citi goes far beyond a traditional banking job. With a global workforce of over 230,000 professionals, Citi provides an environment where innovation, integrity, and leadership come together to create meaningful impact—for clients, communities, and employees alike.

In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know about the VP Business Risk & Controls Citi UAE role, including responsibilities, qualifications, skills, career benefits, and how to apply successfully in 2026.

About Citi UAE

Citi is one of the world’s leading global banks, serving millions of customers across more than 160 countries. In the UAE, Citi plays a strategic role in corporate banking, wealth management, consumer banking, and risk governance, supporting both local and international clients.

Citi’s culture emphasizes ethical conduct, accountability, diversity, and continuous professional growth, making it a preferred employer for senior professionals in the financial services sector.

Job Overview: VP, Business Risk & Controls

The VP, Business Risk & Controls role focuses on assessment and design of control frameworks supporting UAE Cards and Unsecured Lending businesses, in close partnership with Credit Risk Management.

Professionals in this position are responsible for developing, implementing, and enhancing controls programs that align with Citi’s Policies, Standards, and Enterprise Risk Management Framework. The role also includes first-line risk identification, measurement, and ongoing assessment to ensure business operations remain within Citi’s defined Risk Appetite.

Key Responsibilities of VP Business Risk & Controls

1. Controls Program Design & Development

You will support the design and enhancement of Citi’s comprehensive controls programs, including the Manager’s Control Assessment (MCA) framework, ensuring strong governance and oversight.

2. Control Effectiveness Assessment

The role involves evaluating existing controls, identifying gaps, and driving improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce operational risk.

3. Risk Identification & Mitigation

You will proactively identify key risks, assess their significance and likelihood, and collaborate with process owners to define and implement mitigation strategies.

4. Controls Enhancement & Transformation

Driving automation, standardization, and rationalization initiatives is a key part of the role, supporting Citi’s broader transformation agenda.

5. Stakeholder Collaboration

You will work closely with business leaders, risk teams, and functional stakeholders to support management decisions that align with Citi’s Risk Appetite.

6. Regulatory & Policy Alignment

Staying updated on regulatory developments and industry best practices, you will ensure the controls program remains compliant and forward-looking.

7. Issue & Corrective Action Management

Overseeing issue management and corrective action plans, ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely resolution of control issues.

8. Senior Management Reporting

Providing regular, clear updates to senior management on controls performance, risk assessments, and improvement initiatives.

Risk & Ethical Responsibilities

Citi places exceptional importance on ethical judgment and reputational risk management. In this role, you are expected to:

• Appropriately assess risk in all business decisions

• Safeguard Citi, its clients, and assets

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations

• Escalate and manage control issues with transparency

• Promote accountability and ethical conduct across teams

Required Qualifications & Experience

To qualify for the VP Business Risk & Controls Citi UAE role, candidates should have:

• 7–12 years of experience in operational risk, compliance, audit, or control-related functions

• Strong expertise in controls development and execution

• Proven experience in financial services or banking environments

• Demonstrated success in implementing sustainable process improvements

• Deep understanding of compliance laws, regulations, and best practices

• Familiarity with Citi’s Policies, Standards, and Procedures (preferred)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with senior management exposure

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (mandatory)

• Master’s degree (preferred and advantageous)

Key Skills for Success

Most Relevant Skills

• Analytical Thinking

• Business Insights

• Risk Management

• Controls Lifecycle Management

• Issue Management

• Process & Program Design

• Stakeholder Management

• Constructive Debate & Communication

These skills are essential for excelling in senior risk governance roles within global financial institutions.

Job Details at a Glance

• Job Title: VP, Business Risk & Controls

• Sector: Wealth Management, Cards & Unsecured Lending

• Job Family Group: Controls Governance & Oversight

• Job Family: Assessment & Design

• Employment Type: Full-Time

• Eligibility: UAE Nationals Only

Why Build Your Career at Citi UAE?

Leadership & Impact

As a VP, you play a strategic role in shaping Citi’s risk and control environment in the UAE.

Global Exposure

Citi offers exposure to international standards, frameworks, and career mobility opportunities.

Professional Growth

Continuous learning, leadership development programs, and executive exposure are integral to Citi’s culture.

Competitive Compensation

Senior roles at Citi typically offer competitive salary packages, performance incentives, and comprehensive benefits.

How to Apply for VP Business Risk & Controls at Citi UAE

To strengthen your application:

1. Prepare a senior-level CV highlighting risk, controls, and leadership experience

2. Emphasize achievements in governance, audits, and transformation initiatives

3. Demonstrate alignment with Citi’s values and ethical standards

4. Apply through official Citi channels or trusted job platforms

For verified and regularly updated banking job opportunities, always rely on trusted sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this role open to non-UAE nationals?

No, this position is exclusively open to UAE nationals.

What level is the VP role at Citi?

VP is a senior leadership position with significant responsibility and decision-making authority.

Is banking experience mandatory?

Yes, strong experience in financial services, risk, or controls is essential.

Does this role involve people management?

Yes, the role includes oversight, supervision, and accountability across teams and processes.

Is Citi an equal opportunity employer?

Yes, Citi provides equal employment opportunities regardless of personal characteristics, in line with global policies.

Internal & External Links

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