Compliance Officer Salary in Saudi Arabia: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Compliance Officer Compensation in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s financial regulatory landscape is undergoing a profound transformation under Vision 2030, creating unprecedented demand for compliance professionals across the Kingdom’s banking, capital markets, insurance, and emerging fintech sectors. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority — now operating as the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) — has significantly strengthened its supervisory framework, issuing a series of regulations covering AML/CFT, cybersecurity, outsourcing, open banking, and consumer protection that have expanded compliance team sizes at every major financial institution in the Kingdom.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) regulates securities markets and has introduced new listing requirements, ESG disclosure frameworks, and investment fund compliance standards that drive demand for compliance specialists with capital markets expertise. The Insurance Authority (formerly SAMA’s insurance supervision function) oversees one of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Saudi Financial Sector Development Program — a core Vision 2030 pillar — aims to create a diversified and effective financial sector that supports economic growth, with compliance serving as the critical enabler of this transformation.

The compliance hiring market in Saudi Arabia is further shaped by the Saudization program (Nitaqat), which creates both challenges and opportunities for expatriate and Saudi compliance professionals. Financial institutions must meet nationalization quotas while simultaneously building sophisticated compliance functions capable of meeting international regulatory standards — a balancing act that has driven salaries upward across all experience levels.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Compliance Officer salaries in Saudi Arabia reflect the Kingdom’s growing regulatory complexity, the competitive dynamics of Saudization, and the relative scarcity of experienced compliance professionals with both technical expertise and cultural fluency. The following ranges represent monthly base salaries in SAR for the 2026 market.

Entry-Level (0–2 Years): SAR 9,000–14,000 per month. Entry-level positions include compliance analyst, KYC associate, and junior compliance officer roles at banks, insurance companies, and financial technology firms. Saudi nationals entering compliance careers often start at SAR 10,000–14,000, benefiting from the Saudization premium that financial institutions apply to meet Nitaqat quotas in specialized functions. Expatriate entry-level compliance professionals typically start at SAR 9,000–12,000, though this range is narrowing as institutions prioritize Saudi hires at the junior level. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in finance, law, or business and foundational AML training enter at the lower end. Those with an ICA Certificate or initial CAMS preparation start at the higher end. Common entry-level responsibilities include customer due diligence processing, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring alert disposition, and regulatory reporting data collection under the supervision of senior compliance staff.

Mid-Level (3–5 Years): SAR 14,000–25,000 per month. Mid-level compliance officers independently manage regulatory obligations, conduct compliance risk assessments, develop internal policies aligned with SAMA and CMA requirements, and deliver compliance training programmes across business units. The range reflects differences between employer types: smaller banks and insurance companies pay SAR 14,000–18,000, while major Saudi banks (Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank, Riyad Bank, Alinma Bank) and international banks operating in the Kingdom (HSBC Saudi Arabia, JPMorgan Saudi Arabia) offer SAR 18,000–25,000. CAMS certification is a significant differentiator, adding SAR 2,000–4,000 per month. Compliance officers specializing in SAMA’s AML/CFT framework, CMA securities compliance, or insurance regulatory compliance command premiums at the upper end. Professionals with experience implementing SAMA’s Cyber Security Framework or the Open Banking Policy are particularly sought after as these regulatory mandates mature.

Senior Level (6–10 Years): SAR 25,000–38,000 per month. Senior compliance officers, compliance managers, and heads of compliance departments at mid-to-large institutions operate in this bracket. These professionals lead compliance teams, design enterprise-wide compliance frameworks aligned with SAMA’s regulatory expectations, manage regulatory examination processes, and advise executive management and board audit committees on compliance risk. Senior compliance roles at Al Rajhi Bank (the world’s largest Islamic bank by assets) and Saudi National Bank (the largest bank in Saudi Arabia by total assets) command SAR 30,000–38,000, reflecting the scale and complexity of these institutions’ compliance operations. Holding multiple certifications — CAMS combined with a CMA-recognized securities qualification or SAMA-mandated professional development — strengthens compensation significantly. Bilingual professionals (Arabic and English) command 10–15% premiums, as regulatory interactions with SAMA and CMA increasingly require sophisticated Arabic-language communication.

Executive Level (10+ Years): SAR 38,000–58,000 per month. Chief Compliance Officers, Group Heads of Compliance, and Senior MLROs at major Saudi financial institutions earn executive-level packages. At this tier, professionals carry personal regulatory accountability, interact directly with SAMA’s supervision department and CMA enforcement teams, present to board risk committees, and oversee compliance budgets and technology investments. CCOs at Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), Riyad Bank, and Alinma Bank earn at the upper end of this range. SAMA itself employs senior compliance and supervision professionals at competitive government-sector packages that include substantial non-cash benefits. Executive compensation often includes performance bonuses of 2–4 months’ salary tied to successful SAMA examination outcomes and the absence of significant regulatory findings.

Salary Variation by City and Region

Riyadh dominates the Saudi compliance job market as the headquarters city for SAMA, CMA, major Saudi banks, and the growing number of international firms establishing a Kingdom presence. Approximately 70% of compliance officer positions in Saudi Arabia are based in Riyadh. Salaries in Riyadh represent the benchmarks quoted above.

Jeddah hosts significant banking and insurance operations, with compliance roles at regional bank branches, the Jeddah-based operations of national insurers, and the commercial banking functions serving the western province’s trading economy. Jeddah compliance salaries typically align with Riyadh levels for equivalent roles, though the volume of available positions is significantly lower.

The Eastern Province (Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran) offers compliance opportunities at banks serving the petroleum sector, Saudi Aramco’s financial compliance functions, and the growing number of industrial and petrochemical companies implementing enterprise compliance programmes. Salaries in the Eastern Province are generally 5–10% below Riyadh for banking compliance roles but can match or exceed Riyadh for compliance positions at energy sector employers.

Key Factors Affecting Compliance Officer Salaries

Professional Certifications: CAMS certification is the primary differentiator in the Saudi compliance market, with virtually every mid-level and senior compliance role at major banks listing it as a preferred or required qualification. SAMA’s professional development requirements for compliance professionals have further reinforced the value of recognized certifications. The ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance carries significant weight at CMA-regulated entities. CGSS (Certified Global Sanctions Specialist) holders command premiums given the Kingdom’s complex sanctions compliance requirements related to regional geopolitics. The CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) is valued for compliance roles that incorporate fraud investigation responsibilities.

AML/KYC Specialization: Saudi Arabia’s AML/CFT framework has been substantially upgraded following the Kingdom’s FATF Mutual Evaluation. AML specialists with practical experience in enhanced customer due diligence for politically exposed persons (PEPs), beneficial ownership identification in complex Saudi corporate structures, Hawala and informal value transfer system oversight, and cross-border transaction monitoring command premium salaries. The Saudi Anti-Money Laundering Permanent Committee’s reporting requirements add a unique layer of complexity that specialists in Saudi AML must master.

SAMA Regulatory Knowledge: Deep expertise in SAMA’s regulatory framework is the most valued technical skill in the Saudi compliance market. SAMA’s Framework for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing, Rules Governing Anti-Money Laundering, and supervisory circulars form a complex body of regulation that requires specialized knowledge. Compliance officers who can interpret and implement SAMA guidance, manage SAMA examination processes, and develop institutional responses to regulatory findings command the highest salaries in the market.

Saudization Impact: Nitaqat quotas significantly affect compliance compensation dynamics. Saudi national compliance professionals benefit from a 10–20% salary premium at the entry and mid levels, as institutions compete to attract and retain Saudi compliance talent to meet nationalization targets. Expatriate compliance professionals remain in demand for senior and specialized roles where the pool of qualified Saudi candidates is limited, particularly in areas such as sanctions compliance, international correspondent banking oversight, and cross-border regulatory liaison. The trend is toward Saudi nationals in client-facing and regulatory liaison roles, with expatriates occupying technical specialist and advisory positions.

Benefits That Boost Total Compensation

Housing Allowance: Housing is the most significant benefit component for compliance officers in Saudi Arabia. Banks and financial institutions typically provide housing allowances of 25–35% of base salary. For a mid-level compliance officer earning SAR 19,500 per month, housing allowance adds SAR 4,875–6,825 monthly. Senior expatriate compliance officers at major banks receive SAR 6,000–10,000 per month in housing allowance. Riyadh rental costs for a two-bedroom apartment in a compound or modern residential complex range from SAR 3,000–7,000 per month, making housing allowances particularly valuable for savings.

Transport Allowance: Monthly transport allowances of SAR 1,000–2,500 are standard. Some institutions provide company vehicles or car loans with favourable terms for senior staff. The transport allowance is particularly valuable in Saudi Arabia, where private vehicles are essential for daily commuting in most cities.

Medical Insurance: Saudi labour law mandates employer-provided medical insurance (under the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance framework). Banks provide premium plans covering employees and dependents at top-tier hospitals. The estimated employer cost ranges from SAR 5,000–12,000 per year for individual coverage, with comprehensive family plans valued at SAR 15,000–30,000 annually at major banks.

Education Allowance: For expatriate compliance officers with children, education allowances of SAR 15,000–40,000 per child per year are common at major banks. International schools in Riyadh charge SAR 20,000–70,000 annually. Saudi national employees often receive this benefit for private school enrolment.

Annual Flights: Expatriate employees receive annual return flights to their home country, typically covering the employee and immediate family. Economy-class is standard for mid-level roles, with business-class at the CCO level. The value ranges from SAR 3,000–10,000 per year depending on destination and family size.

Tax Implications

Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on employment income. All salary and allowances are received in full. The 15% VAT applies to goods and services but not employment compensation. GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) contributions apply to Saudi national employees at 9.75% of salary (matched by the employer at 11.75%), but expatriate employees are only subject to a 2% occupational hazard contribution. For expatriate compliance officers, the take-home pay is effectively the gross salary minus only the minimal GOSI hazard contribution.

End-of-Service Gratuity

Saudi labour law entitles employees to end-of-service benefits calculated at half a month’s salary per year for the first five years and one full month’s salary per year thereafter. For a compliance officer with a basic salary of SAR 19,500 per month, six years of service would yield approximately: (0.5 × 19,500 × 5) + (1 × 19,500 × 1) = SAR 48,750 + SAR 19,500 = SAR 68,250 as a lump-sum payment upon departure. This calculation uses the last drawn basic salary, providing an additional incentive for career longevity at a single employer.

Top Employers for Compliance Officers in Saudi Arabia

• Al Rajhi Bank: The world’s largest Islamic bank by market capitalisation, headquartered in Riyadh. Al Rajhi operates one of the largest compliance departments in the Kingdom, with dedicated teams for AML/CFT, sanctions, Shariah compliance, regulatory reporting, and consumer protection. Compliance officers gain unique exposure to Islamic banking compliance requirements alongside conventional regulatory frameworks. Offers competitive packages with strong benefits for Saudi nationals.
• Saudi National Bank (SNB): The largest bank in Saudi Arabia by total assets, formed from the merger of National Commercial Bank and Samba Financial Group. SNB’s compliance function serves a vast domestic and international network. Offers senior compliance professionals exposure to sovereign wealth fund-related compliance (given the Public Investment Fund’s stake), international correspondent banking compliance, and the full spectrum of SAMA regulatory requirements.
• Riyad Bank: A major Saudi bank with a strong compliance culture and significant investment in compliance technology. Known for competitive compensation and a structured career development programme that supports compliance staff in obtaining CAMS and other professional certifications. Compliance officers at Riyad Bank manage obligations across retail, corporate, treasury, and investment banking divisions.
• SAMA (Saudi Central Bank): The central bank itself employs compliance and supervision professionals who oversee the entire Saudi financial sector. While base salaries at SAMA may be comparable to commercial banking, the comprehensive government benefits package (including generous housing, family medical coverage, and pension contributions) and the prestige and career development opportunities make SAMA positions highly coveted among Saudi compliance professionals.
• Alinma Bank: A rapidly growing Islamic bank focused on digital innovation and expanding retail and corporate banking services. Alinma’s compliance team is scaling quickly to match the bank’s growth trajectory, offering strong career progression and competitive packages. Compliance officers at Alinma work at the intersection of Islamic banking compliance, digital banking regulation, and SAMA’s evolving fintech framework.

Career Progression and Growth

The compliance career path in Saudi Arabia is shaped by two powerful trends: the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding regulatory environment and the Saudization imperative. Entry-level analysts typically progress to compliance officer roles within 2–3 years, with Saudi nationals often advancing faster due to institutional investment in nationalization goals. The move from compliance officer to senior compliance officer or compliance manager (5–7 years) requires demonstrated expertise in SAMA’s regulatory framework and ideally CAMS certification.

The transition to Head of Compliance or Deputy CCO (8–12 years) represents a critical career milestone, with professionals taking on board-level reporting responsibilities and direct regulatory liaison with SAMA examination teams. Saudi national compliance professionals at this level are extremely valuable to institutions meeting nationalization targets in senior positions, creating an accelerated career path compared to many other GCC markets.

Chief Compliance Officers at major Saudi banks (10+ years) command executive compensation and carry significant personal regulatory accountability. The relatively young compliance profession in Saudi Arabia — compared to more mature markets like the UAE and Bahrain — means that qualified professionals can reach senior positions faster than in other jurisdictions, making the Kingdom an attractive destination for ambitious compliance professionals willing to invest in understanding the Saudi regulatory landscape.

Salary Negotiation Tips for Compliance Officers in Saudi Arabia

• Quantify your SAMA experience: Direct experience with SAMA examinations, regulatory submissions, and enforcement matter responses is the single most valuable credential in the Saudi market. Provide specific examples of examination processes managed and outcomes achieved.
• Leverage Saudization dynamics: Saudi national candidates should understand that their nationality carries tangible value for employers meeting Nitaqat quotas. Use this to negotiate base salary and benefits confidently. Expatriate candidates should emphasize specialized skills that complement Saudi national teams.
• Negotiate housing aggressively: Housing allowances in Saudi Arabia are highly negotiable, particularly for senior roles. The difference between employer offers can be SAR 3,000–5,000 per month, and housing is typically the largest single expense for expatriate professionals.
• Request certification sponsorship: Major Saudi banks allocate budget for professional development. Negotiate full CAMS certification sponsorship (examination fees, study materials, and study leave) as part of your package. This is worth SAR 7,000–10,000 and enhances your long-term market value.
• Consider the full benefits picture: Saudi employer benefits packages can add 30–40% to the value of your base salary. Housing, medical insurance, education allowance, and end-of-service gratuity should all be factored into your total compensation comparison when evaluating offers.

Market Trends Shaping Compliance Salaries in 2026

ESG Compliance and Sustainable Finance: CMA’s ESG disclosure requirements for listed companies and SAMA’s sustainable finance principles are driving demand for compliance professionals who understand environmental risk assessment, green bond compliance, and sustainability reporting frameworks. The PIF’s commitment to responsible investing adds further impetus to ESG compliance hiring.

Crypto and Digital Asset Regulation: Saudi Arabia’s developing regulatory framework for digital assets is creating new compliance roles at fintech companies, digital payment providers, and traditional banks preparing to offer digital asset services. While the regulatory framework is less advanced than the UAE’s VARA, the Kingdom’s digital asset compliance market is expected to grow rapidly as SAMA finalises its regulatory approach.

Open Banking Implementation: SAMA’s Open Banking Policy is creating significant compliance requirements for banks implementing APIs, managing third-party provider relationships, and ensuring customer data protection. Compliance officers with experience in open banking regulatory frameworks are commanding premiums of 10–15% as banks race to implement SAMA’s open banking mandates.

AI-Driven Compliance: Saudi banks are investing heavily in RegTech solutions, including AI-powered transaction monitoring, automated regulatory reporting, and machine learning-based customer risk scoring. Compliance officers who can validate AI model outputs, ensure regulatory acceptance of automated processes, and manage the compliance implications of algorithmic decision-making are among the most sought-after professionals in the Kingdom’s financial sector.

Saudi Arabia’s compliance market is poised for continued growth as the Kingdom’s financial sector development programme drives regulatory sophistication, new licensing frameworks emerge, and the profession matures to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and internationally integrated financial system.

SAMA Examination Preparation Guide

Access a comprehensive guide to navigating SAMA regulatory examinations, including common examination focus areas, documentation requirements, typical regulatory findings, and remediation strategies. This premium content covers how to prepare your compliance team for on-site examinations, manage regulatory correspondence, and implement corrective action plans that satisfy SAMA supervisors. Includes insights from senior compliance professionals who have successfully managed multiple SAMA examination cycles at major Saudi banks.

Saudization Strategy for Compliance Departments

Get a detailed framework for building compliance teams that meet Nitaqat nationalization requirements while maintaining technical excellence. Covers recruitment strategies for attracting Saudi compliance talent, training programme design for accelerated development of Saudi nationals, expatriate-Saudi knowledge transfer best practices, and salary benchmarking data for Saudi national compliance professionals at each career stage.