What You'll Do
Design and maintain a robust sanctions framework aligned with SAMA regulations and global best practices. You will define strategy, set annual objectives, and establish KPIs that reflect both regulatory expectations and organizational risk appetite.
Monitor and apply regulatory updates, including SAMA circulars and directives on targeted financial sanctions and proliferation financing, ensuring timely execution across systems and processes. Conduct regular gap assessments to identify control weaknesses and lead remediation efforts with clear accountability.
Oversee end-to-end sanctions screening for customers, transactions, employees, and third parties. Ensure accurate configuration of sanctions lists and data within screening platforms, and lead the investigation and resolution of alerts with full decision authority and audit readiness.
Enforce immediate asset freezes or transaction blocks when required, and maintain a centralized register of all sanctions actions, including communications with regulators. Drive improvements in sanctions technology, focusing on data quality, rule optimization, automation, and reducing false positives while preserving detection effectiveness.
Act as the go-to advisor on sanctions risk for new products, services, and system changes, providing guidance to business, technology, and product teams prior to launch. Lead a team responsible for sanctions operations, shaping roles, performance goals, training, and succession planning.
Prepare regular reports for senior leadership on key metrics, emerging risks, and regulatory developments. Develop and deliver targeted training programs to strengthen organizational awareness of sanctions obligations and escalation protocols.
Support audits and regulatory reviews by maintaining thorough documentation and driving corrective actions. Represent the organization in sanctions-related discussions with regulators and law enforcement as a designated delegate of the MLRO.
Requirements
- University degree in Law or a related discipline
- 5 to 8 years of experience in sanctions within a regulated financial institution
- Practical knowledge of targeted financial sanctions regimes and compliance expectations
- Proven track record in managing sanctions screening systems and leading teams
- Fluency in both Arabic and English
Preferred Qualifications
- Certifications such as CAMS, CGSS, or equivalent are strongly preferred
Benefits
- Highly competitive salary and eligibility for equity participation
- Support for personal growth through training programs and an annual learning stipend
- Opportunities to work in a diverse, multi-national environment with teams across seven countries
- Autonomy in your role, paired with mentorship and meaningful challenges
- Hybrid work model offering flexibility between remote and office settings
- A culture built on trust, inclusion, and innovation that empowers employees to take ownership
