Michael Lane
Senior Compliance Officer
Chantilly,VA
Summary
Experienced Senior Compliance Officer and MLRO with a strong background in advising regulated financial institutions and international corporate clients on UAE compliance frameworks, AML/CFT obligations, and risk governance within DIFC and ADGM. Specializes in developing and implementing customized compliance programs that meet DFSA and FSRA requirements, performing regulatory risk assessments, overseeing internal audits, and managing KYC/EDD procedures for complex fund and financial structures. With a legal and compliance background, skilled at aligning regulatory demands with practical business solutions. Registered Wills Draftsman in DIFC and former Head of Legal at a cross-border advisory firm, possessing extensive knowledge of corporate structuring, asset protection, and succession planning for HNWIs, family offices, and financial institutions in the UAE, Europe, and Asia. Known for building strong regulatory relationships, fostering a culture of integrity, and leading initiatives to strengthen compliance culture, operational transparency, and long-term sustainability in a constantly changing regulatory environment.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Compliance Officer and MRLO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer)
Sygnum Bank AG
07.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Sygnum's Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) branch, the world's first regulated digital asset bank.
- Appointed as the Compliance Officer and MLRO for Sygnum's Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) branch, the world's first regulated digital asset bank.
- Responsible for maintaining full compliance with ADGM and UAE regulatory frameworks and aligning local operations with Sygnum's global compliance standards.
- Developed and implemented AML/CTF and sanctions compliance frameworks in accordance with FSRA rules and ADGM regulations.
- Acted as primary liaison with the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), managing audits, regulatory reporting, and inspections.
- Conducted ongoing risk assessments and implemented monitoring systems to identify and address compliance risks and suspicious activity.
- Led staff training on compliance, AML, and regulatory expectations, building a strong compliance culture.
- Coordinated closely with Sygnum's Swiss headquarters to ensure group-wide alignment on risk and regulatory matters.
- Ensured the ADGM branch's operations meet the highest standards of financial crime compliance within a dynamic digital asset environment.
- Sygnum's Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) branch, the world's first regulated digital asset bank.
Compliance Officer & MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer)
Al-Per Solutions Ltd
08.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: A DFSA-regulated fund administration firm.
- Hold senior regulatory responsibility for a DFSA-regulated fund administration firm, providing compliance leadership across all areas of regulatory strategy, AML/CFT oversight, and operational risk management.
- Oversee the firm's adherence to DFSA regulations and global financial crime standards, supporting a portfolio of investment firms and asset managers operating within the DIFC.
- Act as the firm's appointed Compliance Officer and MLRO, directly interfacing with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) on supervisory matters, audits, and thematic reviews.
- Lead the development and implementation of the firm's risk-based compliance and AML frameworks, ensuring robust internal controls, governance, and reporting mechanisms.
- Conduct firm-wide compliance risk assessments, internal audits, and periodic reviews, ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory expectations and best practices.
- Oversee all onboarding, KYC, enhanced due diligence, and ongoing monitoring for fund structures and institutional clients.
- Draft and enforce internal compliance policies and procedures, including escalation protocols, AML manuals, and sanctions screening processes.
- Deliver strategic compliance guidance to senior management and support business decision-making by assessing regulatory impact and enforcement risk.
- Report suspicious activity to the UAE FIU and ensure timely regulatory filings, while cultivating a strong culture of compliance across the organization.
- A DFSA-regulated fund administration firm.
Managing Director / Head of Group Legal
Swiss Group Legal Ltd
01.2017 - Current
- Company Overview: The legal services arm of Swiss Group, a multidisciplinary advisory firm offering corporate structuring, legal and compliance consultancy, tax planning, and estate advisory across the UAE and internationally.
- Lead the legal advisory practice across SwissGroup's offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Zurich, ensuring consistent delivery of high-standard legal and regulatory services.
- Advise high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and multinational corporations on corporate structuring, regulatory compliance, asset protection, and succession planning across the UAE and wider region.
- Serve as a DIFC-registered Wills Draftsman, providing tailored estate planning solutions aligned with the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry framework.
- Direct complex cross-border legal matters involving multi-jurisdictional coordination, particularly between Europe, the UAE, and Asia.
- Regularly engage with UAE regulatory bodies, free zone authorities, and government institutions to ensure clients' legal frameworks are fully compliant and strategically optimized.
- Provide multilingual legal counsel (English, German, French) to Swiss and European clients expanding into the UAE, offering bespoke legal structures and governance models.
- Drive firm-wide compliance and risk strategies, including internal regulatory policies and client-facing advisory on AML, ESR, and data protection standards.
- The legal services arm of Swiss Group, a multidisciplinary advisory firm offering corporate structuring, legal and compliance consultancy, tax planning, and estate advisory across the UAE and internationally.
Associate
Holenstein attorneys-at-law Ltd
04.2012 - 11.2016
- Provided legal and regulatory advisory services to corporate and private clients across the firm's Finance & Banking, Insolvency & Restructuring, and Corporate & Commercial teams.
- Delivered counsel in German, English, and French with a strong emphasis on compliance, governance, and cross-border transactions.
- Delivered end-to-end compliance support on financial, corporate, and commercial matters, including anti-money laundering (AML), data protection (GDPR), and internal controls.
- Advised on the structuring and documentation of cross-border financing transactions, including: a USD 2.75 billion senior secured notes issuance and refinancing; a USD 21.9 billion global acquisition financing involving bank syndicates and capital markets across multiple jurisdictions.
- Drafted and implemented internal policies and compliance frameworks for client organizations, including by-laws, shareholder agreements, and data protection protocols.
- Supported regulatory risk assessments and legal due diligence in M&A and real estate transactions, including: USD 11 million acquisition of a holding company in the assisted living sector; commercial real estate deals (up to USD 100 million), including sale-and-leaseback structures for operational assets like data centers.
- Negotiated and reviewed compliance-sensitive contracts, such as: IT and software licensing agreements, outsourcing, data processing addenda, and cross-border data transfer agreements; Commercial leases, property management, and service-level agreements.
- Provided legal and compliance guidance on employment law matters, including drafting compliant employment contracts and advising on HR-related investigations and disputes.
- Coordinated shareholder meetings and supported corporate secretarial functions in alignment with Swiss corporate governance standards.
- Contributed to multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration with a focus on regulatory compliance and dispute resolution.
Education
Master's degree - Law
University of Lucerne / Law School
Lucerne, LU 09.2003 - 05.2008
Skills
Leadership
Certification
Foundation Course on the Law of Armed Conflict
Groups
Chairman of the Swiss Business Council United Arab Emirates, 02/01/17, Present, Provide strategic leadership to one of the most active bilateral business chambers in the Middle East, representing over 400 Swiss and Swiss-affiliated members. The Council operates under the license of Dubai Chamber and DMCC, promoting Swiss-UAE trade, innovation, and collaboration since 1996. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Lead governance and strategic planning for the SBC Board and Executive Team. Strengthen bilateral relations through regular engagement with Swiss and UAE embassies, government bodies, and international partners. Spearheaded a record year in 2024 with 78 events, including the first Swiss-Emirati Economic Forum in Switzerland, a flagship Gala Dinner, Swiss National Day, and the Swiss-Emirati AI Innovation Forum in Zurich. Oversaw a 37% membership growth with 111 new members, expanding representation across finance, healthcare, sustainability, and emerging technologies. Support and guide sector-specific SBC groups in blockchain, finance, environment, healthcare, and the Swiss Ladies Group. Advocate for member interests in high-level regional and international forums, positioning Swiss business as a leader in innovation and sustainability. Committed to fostering a collaborative and forward-looking Swiss-UAE business community through impactful programming, thought leadership, and strategic advocacy.
Military Service
Infantry, Switzerland, Major, 01/01/00, 12/31/20, Developed advanced leadership and organizational capabilities through officer school and senior command-level training. Held multiple high-responsibility postings, including: Deputy Battalion Commander (1,000 personnel): Oversaw operational planning, training, and readiness at battalion level, demonstrating strategic leadership and coordination under pressure. Legal Advisor (LEGAD) to Brigade Commander: Served as the principal legal officer advising brigade-level command on military law, rules of engagement, and compliance matters. Experience in mission-critical decision-making, team leadership, and regulatory interpretation within complex organizational structures.
Timeline
Compliance Officer and MRLO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer)
Sygnum Bank AG
07.2023 - Current
Compliance Officer & MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer)
Al-Per Solutions Ltd
08.2021 - Current
Managing Director / Head of Group Legal
Swiss Group Legal Ltd
01.2017 - Current
Associate
Holenstein attorneys-at-law Ltd
04.2012 - 11.2016
Master's degree - Law
University of Lucerne / Law School
09.2003 - 05.2008
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