Senior Compliance Officer, Sanctions

The Senior Compliance Officer, Sanctions is responsible for ensuring the Bank’s compliance with international and local sanctions regulations, such as those set by Global Affairs Canada, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and other relevant regulatory bodies. This role involves investigating potential sanctions violations, advising business units on sanctions-related risks, conducting sanctions screening and sanctions risk assessments, and ensuring that internal policies and procedures align with regulatory requirements. The officer will also play a key role in sanctions-related training, reporting, and interaction with regulatory authorities, where applicable.

The Senior Compliance Officer, Sanctions reports to the Associate Director, AML EDD in managing the Bank’s sanctions risk.

Supports the Associate Director, AML EDD in the implementation, oversight and management of an effective sanctions program.

Review high-risk transactions involving sanctioned jurisdictions or entities and provide guidance.

Analyze and investigate escalated possible matches against sanctions lists.

Perform sanctions screening on transactions, clients, and counterparties to identify potential compliance risks.

Provide guidance to Business Units regarding sanctions risks and regulatory expectations.

Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on sanctions compliance.

File relevant reports, such as Sanctions Evasion Reports and Listed Person or Entity Property Reports, to FINTRAC.

Support the development and enhancement of sanctions compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures.

Collaborate with various teams and departments to integrate sanctions compliance into all relevant business processes.

Conduct periodic reviews of the Bank’s sanctions compliance program to identify potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities and develop mitigation plans.

Manage and support special projects and ad hoc initiatives to enhance the sanctions compliance program.

Stay up to date with changes in sanctions regulations, emerging trends, and best practices and assess their impact on the Bank’s operations.

A bachelor’s degree in law, Finance, Business, or a related field.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the Canadian financial services industry, with a focus on sanctions compliance, financial crime compliance, or regulatory compliance.

Strong knowledge of Canada and international sanctions frameworks (e.g., OFAC, UN, EU, UK).

Experience in transaction reviews, sanctions screening, and sanctions risk assessment.

Familiarity with compliance screening tools such as World-Check.

Excellent analytical, risk assessment and research skills for the purposes of reaching reasoned and sound conclusions with arguments that support the decision reached.

Ability to successfully handle multiple competing priorities.

Detail-oriented with strong time management skills to ensure timely completion of tasks.

complex information clearly and concisely.

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Relevant certifications, such as, Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) and/or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) are advantageous.

Knowledge of French an asset.