Head of Sanctions

Job Description

Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

About the Company

We are currently supporting a well-established banking organisation in the UAE with the appointment of a Head of Sanctions. This is a senior leadership role within the financial crime function, responsible for shaping and maintaining an effective sanctions risk framework.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the bank's approach to sanctions compliance is robust, aligned with local regulatory expectations, and consistent with global standards.

• Lead and manage the bank's sanctions compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and governance structures.
• Oversee sanctions screening controls across clients, transactions, and payment flows, ensuring effectiveness and compliance.
• Provide expert guidance on complex sanctions-related matters and escalations.
• Manage regulatory engagement and act as the key point of contact on sanctions matters.
• Monitor developments in international sanctions regimes and implement necessary updates to controls and processes.
• Prepare and present reports and dashboards on sanctions risks, control effectiveness, and key issues to senior management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the sanctions team, fostering a strong compliance culture.

• Minimum of 5 years experience in sanctions within UAE banking, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Hands-on experience with sanctions frameworks, screening systems, and control environments.
• Proven experience engaging with regulators in the UAE.
• Strong understanding of international sanctions regimes (e.g., OFAC, UN, EU, UK).
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Economics, or a related discipline; relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS) are advantageous.