At a Glance
- Tasks: Execute sanctions screening and monitor compliance to protect against financial crime.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm with a commitment to integrity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on continuous improvement and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in combating financial crime while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented with experience in compliance or financial crime operations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Ipswich (Hybrid)
Reporting Line: Organisation Management, KYC and Sanctions Operations Lead
The Role
As a Financial Crime & Sanctions Operations Analyst, you will execute sanctions screening, monitoring and due diligence activities across onboarding, placement and client servicing processes. Operating as part of the first line of defence, you will support compliance with global sanctions regulations while maintaining a robust and risk‑based control environment. This role works closely with Broking, Placement Support, Client Servicing and Risk & Compliance teams as part of Organisation Management, to ensure appropriate sanctions screening is performed and risks are identified, assessed and escalated where required. You will be responsible for completing structured screening workflows, maintaining accurate audit trails and supporting consistent control execution. You will play a key role in protecting the business from financial crime risk while enabling efficient delivery of core operations through disciplined and pragmatic application of sanctions requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Sanctions Screening & Monitoring
- Perform sanctions screening across clients, reinsurers, intermediaries and associated individuals
- Review screening outputs, identifying potential sanctions exposure and determining appropriate action
- Conduct re‑screening and ongoing monitoring based on risk rating and lifecycle events
- Support screening of underlying datasets, referrals and related activity
- Sanctions Referrals & Escalation
- Assess and triage sanctions alerts and referrals
- Escalate complex or high‑risk matters to Risk & Compliance or Legal teams where required
- Maintain clear and auditable records of all screening decisions and actions
- Support ongoing due diligence and monitoring requirements ensuring the business is informed timely and as appropriate
- Controls, Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Operate as a first line control function, ensuring consistent execution of sanctions controls
- Adhere to sanctions policy, AML/CTF requirements and regulatory expectations
- Identify control gaps, breaches or process inefficiencies and support remediation
- Contribute to improvements in processes, controls and systems, including automation and AI solutions
- Business Support & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Act as a key point of contact for sanctions‑related queries from broking, placement and client service teams
- Provide clear guidance on screening outcomes and required actions
- Balance regulatory requirements with business delivery needs in a pragmatic manner
- Support wider Organisation Management (KYC) team activities as required
- Data, MI & Insight
- Support tracking of screening volumes, turnaround times and referral trends
- Contribute to MI reporting on sanctions activity and performance metrics
- Identify trends and opportunities to enhance efficiency and control effectiveness
- Training & Awareness
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of global sanctions regimes (UK, EU, US, UN)
- Support sanctions awareness and training initiatives across the business
About You
- Detail‑focused with a strong commitment to quality and accuracy
- Clear communicator, able to explain screening outcomes and risk considerations effectively
- Experience in sanctions, financial crime, KYC or compliance operations
- Working knowledge of global sanctions regimes (e.g. OFSI, OFAC, EU, UN)
- Comfortable operating within a regulated financial services environment
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Collaborative approach with sound risk awareness and judgement
Equal Opportunity Statement
We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, age, gender, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, orientation, or any other legally protected categories. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please email us at talentacquisition@willisre.com.
Financial Crime & Sanctions Operations Analyst in Ipswich employer: Willis Re (UK) Limited
Willis Re is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where Capital Advisory Specialists can thrive. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills through diverse projects and cross-functional teamwork, all while enjoying the dynamic environment of the insurance capital markets. The company's commitment to integrity and excellence ensures that team members are well-supported in delivering high-quality advisory solutions to clients.
