AML & Financial Crime Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Business Area

The role sits within the Financial Crime Middle Office Team which is part of the wider Operations and Administration Department.

Position Description

You will perform the role of Vice President, reporting to the Director of the Financial Crime Middle Office – Transaction Control Team. In this role, you will specifically be responsible for managing Sanctions Screening for transactions and customers, Fraud Screening, Quality Assurance, performance reviews for the team, identifying knowledge gaps, arranging study sessions, and supporting any testing related to system changes, upgrades, or enhancements.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA?

We are looking for a Vice President to lead and manage the daily operations of the Transaction Control Team, part of the First Line of Defence within the Operations & Administration Department.

The Transaction Control Team is responsible for the initial review and clearance of Sanctions alerts across the EMEA region for live transactions, as well as managing overnight batch name screening, PEP screening, and the review of fraud‑related alerts linked to customer payments. This role requires strong operational leadership, sound judgement, and the ability to work effectively within defined cut‑off times to ensure all items are processed by end of day.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with rest of the OAD teams and will participate in a rota to cover UK/EU bank holidays. The position also involves supporting end-to-end testing for system changes, upgrades, and enhancements, and requires strong decision-making and multitasking abilities.

Key Requirements

• Proven people management experience within Financial Crime Investigations team, with the ability to build strong rapport with team members and collaborate effectively with parallel teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex issues clearly and confidently to the team and senior management.
• Demonstrated experience in end‑to‑end business testing, including system enhancements and workflow changes.
• Relevant professional certification, ideally from the International Compliance Association (ICA) or an equivalent body.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!