Sanctions Specialist – Onboarding

For our client, a boutique Swiss private bank based in Geneva, we are seeking a Sanctions Specialist to join their dynamic Compliance & AML Onboarding & Reviews department.

Responsibilities

Sanctions-related activities during onboarding and reviews

• Perform sanctions screening (names, entities, transactions) for low-, medium-, and high-risk clients during onboarding and periodic reviews
  




• Investigate and resolve sanctions alerts, ensuring compliance with Swiss, EU, UK, US (OFAC) and UN regulations
  




• Conduct enhanced due diligence on PEPs, high-risk clients, and any matches to sanctions or watch lists
  




• Escalate potential sanctions hits or suspicious activities to the Head of Compliance & AFC, preparing clear analyses and recommendations for the Client Acceptance Committee
  




• Support the Front Office in addressing outstanding sanctions- or KYC-related issues
  




• Maintain accurate and complete sanctions documentation for audit and supervisory bodies, ensuring proper record keeping and retention
  




• Perform ongoing monitoring and ad hoc investigations into adverse news or anomalies with a sanctions nexus
  




• Contribute to the continuous improvement of sanctions processes, controls, and systems (e.g., GT Sanctions, PM1, FINNOVA)
  

• University degree in Swiss law, economics, compliance, or equivalent professional training
  




• Minimum 4 years of experience in sanctions compliance, AFC, or AML within banking/financial services
  




• Solid knowledge of international and Swiss sanctions regimes (Swiss SECO, EU, UK, OFAC, UN)
  




• Previous experience in remediation or onboarding activities considered an asset
  




• Ability to work autonomously while being an engaged team player
  




• Strong analytical skills to assess complex client structures and cross-border activities
  




• Fluent in English and French; any other language is an asset (e.g., German, Italian, Russian, Arabic)
  




• Reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented personality with strong ethical standards
  




• Excellent organisational and time management skills
  




• Proficiency in MS Office and sanctions screening tools (GT Sanctions, PM1, FINNOVA)
  




• Swiss domiciliation required