Deputy Head of Sanctions

24 Mar 2026

London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT

SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term 

 

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves. 

 

 

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.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Sanctions and leader of our sanctions Programme Team. 

SUMMARY OF ROLE

  • This position is responsible for providing expert advice and guidance across the EMEA region on financial and trade sanctions, regulatory expectations, and the effective design and operation of the sanctions compliance programme. The role also oversees the daily activities of the EMEA Sanctions Advisory and Controls and Investigations functions.
  • To deputise for the EMEA Head of Sanctions in dealing with senior stakeholders and counterparts across the SMBC Group

 

ESSENTIALS OF THE ROLE 

  • To analyse and interpret sanctions legislation with respect to transactions or activities being performed by the Bank within the EMEA region
  • To oversee and manage strategic enhancements to the sanctions compliance program in EMEA including updates to policy the production of meaningful MI
  • To oversee the day to day running of the EMEA Sanctions Advisory and EMEA Sanctions Controls and Investigations teams and act as an escalation point for these functions and to liaise with and provide guidance to local Compliance teams within the EMEA region.

 

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

  • Extensive experience in a sanctions compliance role or in a sanctions related role
  • Experience in leading strategic projects and complex investigations
  • Experience in dealing with senior managers in relation to sanctions-related matters

Business Area

CPD Sanctions

Position Description

The EMEA Deputy Head of Sanctions has oversight of and provides advice and guidance to the EMEA region on the sanctions framework and will be required to engage with the wider SMBC Group on sanctions matters and will regularly liaise senior stakeholders in Americas Division and Head Office.  The candidate will also be required to assist the EMEA Head of Sanctions with respect to strategic initiatives, in order to ensure that the Bank’s sanctions systems and controls framework remains fit for purpose.

Competencies

Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity

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!!

 

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.  

 

About SMBC

A trusted partner for the long term
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, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Find out more about what we do and who we are at https://www.smbcgroup.com/emea/careers