Sanctions Specialist – Onboarding

For our client, a boutique Swiss private bank based in Geneva, we are seeking a Sanctions Specialist to join their dynamic Compliance & AML Onboarding & Reviews department.

Responsibilities

Sanctions-related activities during onboarding and reviews

Perform sanctions screening (names, entities, transactions) for low-, medium-, and high-risk clients during onboarding and periodic reviews

Investigate and resolve sanctions alerts, ensuring compliance with Swiss, EU, UK, US (OFAC) and UN regulations

Conduct enhanced due diligence on PEPs, high-risk clients, and any matches to sanctions or watch lists

Escalate potential sanctions hits or suspicious activities to the Head of Compliance & AFC, preparing clear analyses and recommendations for the Client Acceptance Committee

Support the Front Office in addressing outstanding sanctions- or KYC-related issues

Maintain accurate and complete sanctions documentation for audit and supervisory bodies, ensuring proper record keeping and retention

Perform ongoing monitoring and ad hoc investigations into adverse news or anomalies with a sanctions nexus

Contribute to the continuous improvement of sanctions processes, controls, and systems (e.g., GT Sanctions, PM1, FINNOVA)

Profile

University degree in Swiss law, economics, compliance, or equivalent professional training

Minimum 4 years of experience in sanctions compliance, AFC, or AML within banking / financial services

Solid knowledge of international and Swiss sanctions regimes (Swiss SECO, EU, UK, OFAC, UN)

Previous experience in remediation or onboarding activities considered an asset

Ability to work autonomously while being an engaged team player

Strong analytical skills to assess complex client structures and cross-border activities

Fluent in English and French; any other language is an asset (e.g., German, Italian, Russian, Arabic)

Reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented personality with strong ethical standards

Excellent organisational and time management skills

Proficiency in MS Office and sanctions screening tools (GT Sanctions, PM1, FINNOVA)

Swiss domiciliation required

Interested? Please submit your full application including work certificates and diplomas. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Many thanks for your kind understanding.