Charu Chawla
Dubai
Summary
Strategic HR Partner with 20+ years of experience across leading DIFC financial institutions. Specialist in HR governance, DIFC Employment Law, DIFC Portal operations, DEWS administration, employee relations, onboarding, and HR operations, supported by strong expertise in business management, AML/KYC, and DFSA compliance. Known for building structure, improving processes, and supporting leadership with people-centric and regulatory-aligned decision-making. Experienced in HR operations for regulated entities and cross-border HR coordination. Strategic HR Partner with a focus on HR governance and DIFC Employment Law. Leads HR operations and ensures regulatory compliance while enhancing employee relations and performance management. Drives operational excellence through effective onboarding processes and cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Partner, Business Manager & Deputy MLRO (Designate)
WRISE Wealth Management Middle East Limited
03.2024 - Current
- Lead HR operations and people governance for the DIFC entity.
- Full ownership of the DIFC Portal for onboarding, visa processing, amendments, and regulatory filings.
- Authorised Signatory for DEWS - managing enrolments, contributions, and compliance.
- Managed employee relations, HR documentation, leave management, and performance cycles to ensure a cohesive workplace environment.
- Coordinate with HR Singapore on policy rollouts and organisational development.
- Ensure compliance with DIFC Employment Law and internal HR policies.
- Supported strategic planning and MIS reporting to align governance with DFSA requirements.
- Conduct AML reviews, trade and transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting support.
- Enhanced operational and risk management frameworks to strengthen compliance and organisational resilience.
- Manage pipeline, revenue, and performance reporting for Relationship Managers.
- Reconcile revenues with custodian banks and business partners.
Associate - Private Banking
Union Bancaire Privée (Middle East) Limited
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Supported Senior Private Bankers in managing UHNWI accounts.
- Conducted AML checks, compliance reviews, and suitability assessments.
- Managed full client onboarding and due diligence processes.
Senior Associate - Private Banking
Bank of Singapore Limited
12.2021 - 08.2022
- Conducted risk assessments, suitability analyses, and KYC documentation reviews.
- Supported bankers in client relationship management and onboarding.
Assistant Vice President - Private Banking
Clariden Leu / Credit Suisse AG
05.2011 - 09.2021
- Supported UHNW clients and financial institutions across USD 600M+ AUM.
- Managed trades, payments, transactions, and reporting.
- Handled KYC documentation, credit reviews, and risk assessments.
Senior Officer - Private Banking
ABN AMRO Bank
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Managed onboarding, KYC reviews, and operational workflows.
- Supported Relationship Managers in servicing HNWI and UHNWI clients.
- Coordinated with compliance, operations, and custodians.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Chandigarh College of Home Science
Indian School Certificate Examination -
Convent of Jesus and Mary High School
Skills
- HR Partnering
- Employee Relations
- DIFC Portal Management
- DEWS Administration
- Performance Management
- Onboarding & Offboarding
- HR Documentation & Policies
- Workforce Planning
- DIFC Employment Law
- AML / KYC
- DFSA Compliance
- Transaction Monitoring
- Regulatory Reporting
- Operational Risk Management
- Business Management
- MIS & Performance Reporting
- CRM Tools
- Microsoft Excel & Word
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Custom Section
HR Partnering, Employee Relations, DIFC Portal Management, DEWS Administration, Performance Management, Onboarding & Offboarding, HR Documentation & Policies, Workforce Planning, DIFC Employment Law, AML / KYC, DFSA Compliance, Transaction Monitoring, Regulatory Reporting, Operational Risk Management, Business Management, MIS & Performance Reporting, CRM Tools, Microsoft Excel & Word, Cross-Functional Collaboration
Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the HR Partner / HR Operations role within your organisation. With over 20 years of experience across leading DIFC financial institutions, I bring a strong blend of HR governance, DIFC regulatory expertise, and people-operations leadership, supported by a solid foundation in business management and compliance.
In my current role at WRISE Wealth Management Middle East, I lead the HR function for a DIFC-regulated entity, managing the full employee lifecycle, DIFC Portal operations, and serving as the Authorised Signatory for DEWS. I oversee onboarding, visa processing, amendments, HR documentation, performance cycles, and employee relations, ensuring full compliance with DIFC Employment Law and internal policies.
What differentiates me is my ability to operate at the intersection of HR, compliance, and business operations. This allows me to support leadership with people-centric decision-making while maintaining strong governance and regulatory alignment. I am known for creating structure, improving processes, and building trust across teams.
I am confident that my experience, attention to detail, and commitment to high standards would allow me to contribute meaningfully to your HR function. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your organisation's needs.
Sincerely,
Charu Chawla
Languages
Hindi
Beginner
A1
Timeline
HR Partner, Business Manager & Deputy MLRO (Designate)
WRISE Wealth Management Middle East Limited
03.2024 - Current
Associate - Private Banking
Union Bancaire Privée (Middle East) Limited
10.2022 - 06.2023
Senior Associate - Private Banking
Bank of Singapore Limited
12.2021 - 08.2022
Assistant Vice President - Private Banking
Clariden Leu / Credit Suisse AG
05.2011 - 09.2021
Senior Officer - Private Banking
ABN AMRO Bank
01.2007 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science -
Chandigarh College of Home Science
Indian School Certificate Examination -
Convent of Jesus and Mary High School