Sanctions Data Insights Analyst AVP

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

We are seeking a highly skilled Financial Crime Data analyst to leverage data driven insights in the fight against financial crime. The ideal candidate will have expertise in data manipulation and a strong understanding of global Sanctions regimes, both Financial and Trade sanctions.

Support the bank’s Sanctions program through advanced data analytics, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and strengthening the control framework. This role will use data insights to enhance screening, monitoring, and reporting capabilities, while identifying patterns, trends, and risks within sanctions-related activities.

As a regulated financial institution, the Bank has a regulatory obligation to establish and maintain policies, procedures, systems and controls to mitigate and effectively manage sanctions risk. The Bank has operations across the EMEA region and is required to consider extraterritorial U.S. laws, and accordingly must maintain a coordinated sanctions framework. This also enables the Bank to meet its risk preferences and statements relating to sanctions risks.

The Sanctions AVP provides advice and guidance to the Bank, with respect to this framework..

The Sanctions AVP will also support the Deputy 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.

Data Analysis & Insights: Write, optimise and execute advanced SQL queries to extract and analyse large volumes of financial data, identifying patterns, trends and anomalies indicative of Financial Crime.

Regulatory & Risk Support: Provide analytics to support responses to regulators, auditors, and senior management. Support/Conduct dedicated Sanctions related Risk assessments by conducting analysis to identify new and emerging risks and threats

Business Partnership: Collaborate with Compliance, Risk and Legal investigations teams providing data driven insights to support ongoing investigations and initiatives.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Data Analysis & Insights:

• Write, optimise and execute advanced SQL queries to extract and analyse large volumes of financial data, identifying patterns, trends and anomalies indicative of financial crime.
• Translate complex datasets into actionable insights, dashboards and Management Information reports using data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau) for stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Analyse large datasets from client and transaction screening, payments, trade finance, and customer onboarding to detect sanctions risks and emerging trends.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and metrics to track performance of the sanctions control framework, hit rates, and operational efficiency.
• Perform deep-dive investigations into sanctions alerts, typologies, and potential circumvention techniques.

• Work within CPD to coordinate with technology department to enhance sanctions screening models and rule sets. (Actimize, FICO, FircoSoft), balancing risk mitigation with operational efficiency.
• Support the development of automate reporting processes and build analytical tools within Sanctions and across compliance.

Regulatory & Risk Support Assessment:

• Provide analytics to support responses to regulators, auditors, and senior management.
• Risk assessments by conducting analysis to identify new and emerging risks and threats, supporting the development and enhancement of monitoring models and rules based on analytical findings.
• Conduct thematic assessments, analyse residual risks and identify gaps in the control environment and areas for remediation.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of sanctions controls in line with OFSI, OFAC, EU, UN, and other regimes.
• Identify data quality issues and partner with business/IT teams to remediate.
• Ensure data integrity and adhere to data governance and regulatory standards, maintaining updated operational procedures.

Business Partnership

• Work closely with Sanctions Advisory, Operations, and Technology teams to deliver data-driven solutions.
• Collaborate with compliance, risk and investigations teams providing data driven insights to support ongoing investigations and initiatives.
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to the design of MI and KRIs/KPIs for the sanctions program.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Experience: Proven experience in a data analytics role, preferably within sanctions and or financial crime, risk or compliance function in the financial services sector.
• Technical proficiency: Strong background in data analytics, data science, or quantitative analysis (SQL, Python, R, SAS, or similar). Experience with data visualisation tools (Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, etc.).Automation is highly advantageous.
• Financial crime Knowledge: Knowledge of global sanctions regulations (OFSI, OFAC, EU, UN, BIS). Understanding of financial crime principles and related regulatory frameworks.
• Analytical skills: Exceptional analytical skills and keen attention to detail, with the ability to synthesise complex information and solve ambiguous problems.
• Communication: excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non- technical audiences.
• Familiarity with payment systems, screening technology (Fircosoft, Accuity, etc.), or transaction monitoring platforms a plus.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Professional certifications in financial crime/sanctions (e.g., ACAMS, ICA) desirable but not essential.

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!!