SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we'll always strive to be better, we're proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Reporting to the EMEA Head of Sanctions Advisory, the AVP role focuses on ensuring the bank's sanctions compliance across products and transactions. It involves conducting due diligence, assessing transaction permissibility, and advising on complex or high-risk cases while ensuring documentation and controls meet regulatory and internal standards.The role also supports stakeholders through training, guidance, and collaboration with Legal, Compliance, and Front Office teams, while escalating critical issues when needed. Additionally, it contributes to strengthening the sanctions framework by identifying control gaps, enhancing policies, and supporting audits and regulatory reviews.

Business Area

Compliance Department - Financial Crime Group - Sanctions Advisory

Position Description

• Conduct customer sanctions due diligence assessments and prepare reviews to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of controls across specific products and/or services.
• Assess the permissibility of transactions in line with applicable sanctions regulations, legal requirements, and internal policies.
• Perform detailed risk assessments on high-risk or complex transactions, providing clear advice and actionable recommendations to stakeholders.
• Review and evaluate sanctions-related clauses within facility documentation to ensure compliance and alignment with the bank's risk appetite.
• Deliver tailored sanctions training to key stakeholders to promote awareness, understanding, and adherence to regulatory and internal requirements.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to local Compliance Officers across the EMEA region.
• Escalate complex or sensitive issues to the EMEA Head of Sanctions Advisory / Head of Sanctions as appropriate, ensuring effective resolution.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Front Office) to ensure consistent application of sanctions controls.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of sanctions policies, procedures, and frameworks.
• Identify control gaps and recommend improvements to strengthen the bank's sanctions compliance framework..

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong understanding of legal sanctions frameworks and regulatory instruments.
• Solid knowledge of key global sanctions regimes and their practical application.
• Good awareness of the bank's products and services and their associated risks.
• Good analytical skills, with the ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and handle challenge effectively.
• Strong investigative and problem-solving capabilities.
• A qualification from the International Compliance Association (ICA) or an equivalent financial crime certification is advantageous.

Competencies

Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it's only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We'll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.

About SMBC

A trusted partner for the long term
United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Find out more about what we do and who we are at https://www.smbcgroup.com/emea/careers

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