Head of Sanctions

<div><h3><b>Title:</b>Head of Sanctions</h3><h3><b>Location:</b>Sharjah, United Arab Emirates</h3><h3><b>About the Company</b></h3><p>We are currently supporting a well-established banking organisation in the UAE with the appointment of a Head of Sanctions. This is a senior leadership role within the financial crime function, responsible for shaping and maintaining an effective sanctions risk framework.</p><p>The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the bank’s approach to sanctions compliance is robust, aligned with local regulatory expectations, and consistent with global standards.</p><h3><b>Key Responsibilities</b></h3><ul><li>Lead and manage the bank’s sanctions compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and governance structures.</li><li>Oversee sanctions screening controls across clients, transactions, and payment flows, ensuring effectiveness and compliance.</li><li>Provide expert guidance on complex sanctions-related matters and escalations.</li><li>Manage regulatory engagement and act as the key point of contact on sanctions matters.</li><li>Monitor developments in international sanctions regimes and implement necessary updates to controls and processes.</li><li>Prepare and present reports and dashboards on sanctions risks, control effectiveness, and key issues to senior management.</li><li>Lead, mentor, and develop the sanctions team, fostering a strong compliance culture.</li></ul><h3><b>Requirements</b></h3><ul><li>Minimum of 5 years’ experience in sanctions within UAE banking, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.</li><li>Hands‑on experience with sanctions frameworks, screening systems, and control environments.</li><li>Proven experience engaging with regulators in the UAE.</li><li>Strong understanding of international sanctions regimes (e.g., OFAC, UN, EU, UK).</li><li>Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.</li><li>Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Law, Economics, or a related discipline; relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS) are advantageous.</li></ul></div>#J-18808-Ljbffr