Sanctions Specialist - Onboarding

For our client, a boutique Swiss private bank based in Geneva, we are seeking a Sanctions Specialist to join their dynamic Compliance & AML Onboarding & Reviews department.

As part of the bank’s Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to international and Swiss sanctions regulations throughout the client onboarding and review processes.

Responsibilities
Sanctions-related activities during onboarding and reviews

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Perform sanctions screening (names, entities, transactions) for low-, medium-, and high-risk clients during onboarding and periodic reviews

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Investigate and resolve sanctions alerts, ensuring compliance with Swiss, EU, UK, US (OFAC) and UN regulations

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Conduct enhanced due diligence on PEPs, high-risk clients, and any matches to sanctions or watch lists

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Escalate potential sanctions hits or suspicious activities to the Head of Compliance & AFC, preparing clear analyses and recommendations for the Client Acceptance Committee

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Support the Front Office in addressing outstanding sanctions- or KYC-related issues

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Maintain accurate and complete sanctions documentation for audit and supervisory bodies, ensuring proper record keeping and retention

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Perform ongoing monitoring and ad hoc investigations into adverse news or anomalies with a sanctions nexus

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Contribute to the continuous improvement of sanctions processes, controls, and systems (e.g., GT Sanctions, PM1, FINNOVA)

Profile

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University degree in Swiss law, economics, compliance, or equivalent professional training

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Minimum 4 years of experience in sanctions compliance, AFC, or AML within banking/financial services

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Solid knowledge of international and Swiss sanctions regimes (Swiss SECO, EU, UK, OFAC, UN)

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Previous experience in remediation or onboarding activities considered an asset

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Ability to work autonomously while being an engaged team player

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Strong analytical skills to assess complex client structures and cross-border activities

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Fluent in English and French; any other language is an asset (e.g., German, Italian, Russian, Arabic)

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Reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented personality with strong ethical standards

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Excellent organisational and time management skills

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Proficiency in MS Office and sanctions screening tools (GT Sanctions, PM1, FINNOVA)

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Swiss domiciliation required

Interested? Please submit your full application including work certificates and diplomas.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Many thanks for your kind understanding.