Director, Sanctions, UK & Europe

Overview

In this role you will act as a senior sanctions expert for UK and EU matters, guiding first- and second-line stakeholders with practical advice on complex client activity. You will shape how sanctions risk is identified, assessed and managed by interpreting regulations and applying policy controls. You may deputise for the Head of Sanctions, UK & Europe in governance forums and regulatory discussions, contributing to high-profile sanctions projects. This role suits someone who thrives in a collaborative, risk-led environment and wants to influence regulatory engagement and operational decisions.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary and benefits
• flexible working options
• wellbeing support (Unmind)
• learning and development culture
• retirement savings and insurance
• volunteering leave

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and transactional advice on UK and EU sanctions, including permissions, exceptions and licences, aligned with Group Sanctions Policy and Standards.
• Assess the impact of sanctions developments on business operations and support timely changes.
• Advise on high-risk clients and KYC matters, including risk mitigation and escalation paths.
• Support regulatory reporting and engagement with UK and EU authorities (e.g., OFSI), including breach reporting.
• Contribute to sanctions policies, control frameworks, and data-driven risk insights.
• Provide sanctions input to screening and risk events, including typologies and client intelligence.
• Represent the UK & Europe sanctions function in risk, client and programme forums and deputise for the Head when needed.
• Promote high standards of conduct, risk awareness, and sanctions capability through training and communications.

Key requirements

• Substantial experience advising on UK and EU sanctions and applying sanctions laws to complex scenarios
• Experience with sanctions risk assessment, screening, investigations, and control design
• Experience preparing senior-management information and engaging with senior stakeholders
• Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgement under ambiguity, and deliver timely, defensible outcomes

• Business awareness
• Geopolitical awareness
• Stakeholder management & presentation
• Sanctions Laws & Regulations
• Sanctions risk management & controls
• Regulatory reporting and governance

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