At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sanctions screening across Europe, the UK, and APAC while managing vendor performance.
- Company: Join a leading global fintech with a focus on innovation and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Potential for leadership roles for candidates with the right experience.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful investigations and drive improvements in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in sanctions investigations and strong knowledge of global sanctions regimes.
The predicted salary is between 56059 - 68517 £ per year.
Alexander Barnes has partnered with a leading global fintech to hire a Senior Sanctions Investigator. This is a hands-on role with real ownership of sanctions screening across Europe, the UK and Asia-Pacific, delivered through an outsourced model.
About the role
You'll oversee end-to-end sanctions screening and act as the primary point of accountability for vendor performance. That means keeping quality high, managing escalations, and stepping in to handle complex or sensitive investigations yourself when needed. You'll review vendor output critically, challenge decisions that don't stand up, and elevate confirmed matches. You'll also keep improving processes, frameworks and controls as sanctions regulations evolve, working closely with Compliance, Legal and the MLRO function on regulatory obligations, audits and policy alignment, and with Product and Tech teams on automation and AI.
What you'll do
- Oversee end-to-end sanctions screening across Europe, the UK and APAC, and own vendor quality, SLAs and performance
- Personally handle complex or sensitive sanctions investigations, and step in during volume spikes or vendor disruption
- Assess and challenge vendor decisions, apply sound judgement, and document outcomes clearly and defensibly
- Manage escalations, support blocking and reporting actions, and stay current on EU, UN, UK and other regimes
- Drive continuous improvement with the vendor and internal teams, including automation and AI to improve accuracy and reduce noise
- Create and maintain SOPs and training materials, and help onboard and coach colleagues and vendor teams
- Support audits and regulatory enquiries alongside Compliance, Legal and the MLRO
What you'll bring
- 5+ years' hands-on experience in sanctions investigations, sanctions screening or financial crime compliance in a regulated environment (bank, fintech, payments or similar)
- Strong knowledge of global sanctions regimes (EU, UN, UK and others) and their impact on business activity
- Experience working with outsourced or third-party operations, with accountability for quality and performance outcomes
- Sound judgement on complex cases, and clear, accurate documentation under time pressure
- Familiarity with screening tools and name-matching logic (for example LexisNexis, World-Check, Fircosoft)
- A track record of driving process change and improvement
- Curiosity about AI and automation, ideally with hands-on experience of AI-assisted tools
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders
- Drive, energy and the agency to own outcomes
Nice to have
- Experience handling complex or sensitive sanctions investigations in-house
- Experience supporting audits or regulatory examinations
- Knowledge of PEP and adverse media screening and open-source intelligence practices
- A relevant certification such as CGSS, CAMS or ICA
- Experience creating or maintaining SOPs and training materials
Please note there are opportunities for leading the function for the right candidate with the right level of experience.
Senior Sanctions Investigator (SME) in London employer: Alexander Barnes Ltd
As a Chief Compliance Officer at this dynamic fintech in London, you'll be part of a vibrant work culture that values innovation and ownership. With the opportunity to shape the compliance function from scratch, you will enjoy direct access to the Founder and play a pivotal role in the company's growth while benefiting from equity options. This fast-paced environment not only fosters professional development but also encourages you to make impactful decisions that drive the business forward.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sanctions Investigator (SME) in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
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Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Alexander Barnes Ltd. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Alexander Barnes Ltd.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Alexander Barnes Ltd. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sanctions Investigator (SME) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Alexander Barnes Ltd and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Alexander Barnes Ltd how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Barnes Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Alexander Barnes Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Alexander Barnes Ltd's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
