Role Summary
As the AML/CTF Sanctions Manager, you will be responsible for building and maintaining a comprehensive sanctions compliance program aligned with SAMA’s regulatory expectations and international best practices. You will lead the design and execution of policies, controls, and operational processes that safeguard the organization against financial crime risks related to sanctions and proliferation financing.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the enterprise-wide sanctions framework, including governance, policies, procedures, and control mechanisms, ensuring compliance with SAMA Sanctions Rules and global standards.
- Define the annual sanctions strategy, performance indicators, and program priorities based on regulatory developments and the organization’s risk profile.
- Monitor and implement regulatory updates, circulars, and directives related to targeted financial sanctions and proliferation financing within required timeframes.
- Conduct regular gap assessments to identify weaknesses in current controls and lead remediation initiatives with clear accountability and timelines.
- Oversee sanctions screening across customer onboarding, transactions, employees, third parties, and beneficial owners, ensuring accurate configuration and up-to-date sanctions data.
- Lead the investigation and resolution of sanctions alerts, making final determinations and maintaining complete, auditable records.
- Ensure prompt freezing or blocking of assets in compliance with regulatory mandates and manage internal escalation protocols.
- Maintain a centralized register of all sanctions-related actions, including freezes, releases, and regulatory correspondence.
- Drive improvements in sanctions systems, focusing on data quality, rule calibration, automation, and reducing false positives while preserving detection effectiveness.
- Provide expert guidance to product, technology, and business teams on sanctions implications for new initiatives and system changes.
- Recruit, lead, and develop a dedicated sanctions team, defining roles, performance goals, training plans, and succession strategies.
- Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on sanctions performance, emerging risks, and regulatory trends.
- Design and deliver targeted training programs to strengthen organizational awareness of sanctions obligations and procedures.
- Support regulatory audits and inspections, addressing findings through root-cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
- Represent the organization in sanctions-related discussions with regulators, auditors, and law enforcement as a senior delegate to the MLRO.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Law or a related discipline.
- 5–8 years of direct experience in sanctions compliance within regulated financial institutions.
- Proven expertise in managing sanctions screening platforms and leading investigative teams.
- Strong understanding of targeted financial sanctions regimes and regulatory expectations.
- Fluency in both Arabic and English is required.
- Certifications such as CAMS or CGSS are preferred.
Work Environment
This role operates in a hybrid model, supporting flexibility across remote, in-office, and blended work arrangements. You will work within a diverse, multilingual team spanning multiple countries, in an environment that values autonomy, innovation, and professional growth.
Compensation and Development
The position offers highly competitive compensation, including the potential for equity participation. We support career advancement through ongoing training, a dedicated learning budget, mentoring, and opportunities to take on high-impact responsibilities in a rapidly scaling organization.
