Global Financial Crimes Compliance Sanctions Investigations Senior Associate

We are seeking a talented individual to join our GFCC Sanctions Investigations team in EMEA. You will work as part of the EMEA Sanctions Compliance team within Global Sanctions Compliance (“GSC”). The role requires a level of independent decision making and judgment, and you must be able to adapt to a rapidly changing business and regulatory environment. You will work effectively with minimal supervision to align yourself and the team with responsibilities outlined by the function.

As a Compliance Senior Associate within the GFCC Sanctions Investigations team, you will investigate potential breaches of sanctions across the EMEA region and support the reporting of these to competent sanctions authorities where required. As part of GFCC Sanctions Strategy Team you will also be a sanctions point of contact for Trade and Working Capital business, which primarily involves reviewing escalations and advising on sanctions-related matters. You will support day-to-day compliance with the U.S. sanctions program within the region, while also acting as a point of contact for compliance with the UK, EU and other sanctions programs which operate across the various booking locations within the EMEA region.

Job responsibilities

• Investigate potential breaches of sanctions across the EMEA region, conducting thorough, multi-level analysis and documenting reasoning and findings precisely and clearly.


• Support the reporting of potential sanctions breaches to competent sanctions authorities in EMEA where required, preparing high-quality written submissions that convey complex matters concisely and clearly.


• Maintain all investigation records accurately, produce regular and ad hoc investigation metrics reports for senior management.


• Support Trade and Working Capital business as a point of contact for sanctions-related escalations and queries, including the review of escalated trade finance transactions, assessing sanctions risk and reaching sound, well-reasoned decisions. 


• Develop and continuously maintain a strong working knowledge of UK, EU, U.S. and other sanctions programs in order to conduct investigations, provide advice and support ad hoc queries raised by stakeholders from various lines of business and their customers.


• Provide training and additional guidance when necessary, respond to sanctions escalations, and maintain and update sanctions guidance as necessary.


• Demonstrate a quality-focused work ethic and strong controls mind-set, understand regulatory requirements and adhere to appropriate controls. 


• Utilize strong organizational skills that enable effective work prioritization of multiple asks and ensure timely escalation of key risks/issues to management.

Required qualifications, skills and capabilities

• Skills in the assessment of risk and making sound decisions in regard of sanctions risk.


• Ability to think outside the process, work independently and apply sound judgment in novel or ambiguous situations.


• Professional curiosity, strong analytical skills, ability to look beyond the first level of analysis; attention to detail is a must.


• Excellent written communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex matters in a concise and clear manner appropriate to the audience.


• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to present complex matters to senior stakeholders, focusing on the key relevant points.


• Compliance experience, particularly in sanctions and/or AML.


• Ability to establish good relationships with other parts of a large organization.


• Proactive approach to problem solving, owning the issues and having the determination to follow tasks/issues through to resolution.


• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with multiple deliverables.


• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required, or evidence of comparable academic / work achievement.

Preferred qualifications, skills and capabilities

• Interest in the subject matter and background knowledge of the world political and economic events as they impact foreign policies are useful.


• Knowledge of banking products and familiarity with banking / payment processing useful.


• Knowledge particularly in relation to AML and/or sanctions is highly desirable.