Head of Sanctions/OFAC and Watchlists

Dallas, United States of America

The Head of Sanctions/OFAC and Watchlists is responsible for Sanctions monitoring activities to assure effective controls are in place to mitigate Sanctions risk across the firm. This leadership role will be essential in the development and implementation of robust Sanctions compliance governance and continual improvement processes in the control framework for AML. Management responsibilities will include Sanctions screening and watch-list filtering team, regulatory reporting, economic Sanctions, as well as coordination with senior AML officers in the businesses. The individual will formulate policies and contribute to the overall strategy of the firm from a Sanction perspective.

• Directs and oversees risk management and control processes to ensure compliance with laws and regulations including the USA PATRIOT Act, US Treasury OFAC requirements, and other applicable sanctions programs.
• Works with Chief BSA/AML Officer to set Sanctions policies; assures policies and practices reflect legal and regulatory requirements and best practices and are implemented appropriately.
• Liaises with senior AML Officers aligned with lines of business (LOBs) & corporate functions as required and supports development and implementation of appropriate governance processes to oversee and evaluate controls across the LOBs and corporate functions.
• Manages resources devoted to Sanctions screening, investigations, and reporting.
• Responsible for ensuring watch lists are maintained current and accurate
• Provides reports to senior management and internal Committee on Sanctions activities.
• Responsible for all aspects of team members life cycle including recruitment, performance management and development.
• Responsible for the ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and quality of sanctions-related models and vendor performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Finance, or law-related Discipline
• At least ten (10) years sanctions experience in a large US bank or financial institution, law firm, regulatory agency, major consulting firm, or law enforcement
• Expertise in the laws applicable to Sanctions including, but not limited to, OFAC and USA PATRIOT Act
• Superior understanding of banking systems, data capturing, and reporting mechanisms
• Strong understanding of, and experience with, IT systems used for screening and monitoring for Sanctions compliance.

• Master's degree desirable but not essential
• Processional certifications desired (CAMs, CFE, etc.)

• Thorough knowledge of sanctions-related regulations and bank policies and procedures to ensure comprehensive compliance.
• Deep experience in financial crime investigations and associated standard operation procedures and investigative protocols.
• Proven people management experience, including the ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, motivate and engage team members at all levels, and the ability to influence management
• Experience working in a global organization and managing cross-functional teams of professionals.
• Must be a proactive self-starter who works well under pressure, values personal accountability and ownership, and thrives working under limited direction.
• Must have proven analytical capabilities, strong decision making and judgement skills, and project management oversight experience.
• Ability to handle multiple activities simultaneously in a fast-paced and dynamic financial services environment.
• Professional maturity and confident in expressing a point of view with the AML Compliance team, lines of businesses, and IT colleagues.