Assistant Compliance Manager - Sanctions Unit

MashreqBank is seeking an Assistant Compliance Manager to join the Sanctions Unit within the Compliance department. This role involves interpreting domestic and international sanctions regulations, including those from the UAE, US, UK, EU, and UN, to ensure the bank and its subsidiaries remain compliant. The incumbent will conduct thorough reviews of cases escalated from sanctions alerts or other sources, identifying potential illegal activities or violations of economic and trade sanctions. The role supports the Compliance Manager in monitoring sanctions trends and enhancing the bank’s sanctions risk management capabilities, while ensuring strict adherence to the Group Sanctions Policy and related procedures.

Key Responsibilities

- Maintain an in-depth understanding of sanctions and export control regulations, internal policies, industry guidance, and relevant typologies or red flags.
- Investigate customer activities across business segments for sanctions and export control risks, analyzing large data sets to determine compliance with the bank’s parameters.
- Apply analytical techniques to complex information and exercise sound judgment in decision-making related to case investigations.
- Document investigation findings in manual or automated case management systems and prepare reports for management as needed.
- Manage sanctions referrals in line with bank policies, escalating issues to the Compliance Manager when necessary.
- Develop and update policies and procedures relevant to the sanctions function.
- Support compliance reporting by maintaining metrics, statistics, and preparing monthly and ad hoc management reports.
- Identify areas for improvement in sanctions risk management and recommend changes aligned with industry standards and regulations.
- Ensure all unit records are kept confidential, secure, and compliant with record retention policies and SOP guidelines.
- Foster effective working relationships with Business Units, Operations, and other Compliance teams.
- Assist in compliance projects, including the implementation of system and procedural changes.

Required Qualifications

- 3 to 5 years of banking experience, with at least 2 years in a compliance role.
- Proven experience in risk compliance, particularly in sanctions compliance.
- Strong knowledge of sanctions regulations and industry guidance.
- Ability to think laterally and solve complex compliance issues.
- Detail-oriented with strong investigative, analytical, and report-writing skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Adaptability to change and willingness to contribute ideas for process improvements.
- Familiarity with core banking systems and their role in sanctions screening processes.
- Understanding of compliance, sanctions, AML, and KYC/CDD policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Professional certifications such as ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists) or CGSS (Certified Global Sanctions Specialist) are desirable.
- Experience working within the financial services industry and knowledge of various sanction programs including OFAC, UN, UK, EU, and UAE Target Financial Sanctions.
- Proactive problem-solving skills with strong analytical thinking and sound judgment in complex situations.

This role reports directly to the Compliance Manager and operates within a dynamic environment requiring close collaboration across multiple business units, branches, and centralized operations. The Assistant Compliance Manager plays a critical role in safeguarding the bank’s compliance with sanctions regulations and enhancing overall risk management frameworks.