Manager/ Assistant Manager Sanctions Full Time

Company Description

American Express Saudi Arabia, established in 1999, is a leading financial services company delivering innovative payment solutions tailored for individuals and businesses. As the leader in the Card Business Payment sector in the Kingdom, the company provides advanced credit and payment solutions designed to manage expenses and promote financial flexibility. With a customer-centric approach, American Express Saudi Arabia empowers personal and professional growth through its range of unique products and world-class experiences. Backed by a global presence, the team is committed to supporting customers with insights and tools to succeed. Join us in shaping the future of financial solutions together.

About the Role: Oversee and directs the company, within defined scope of work, in complying with the regulatory requirements of sanctions and ensuring all obligations are met within the prescribed timelines.

Key responsibilities:

• Reviews Sanctions/compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines issued by Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and other relevant regulatory bodies in ensuring all regulatory requirements are implemented.
• Carry’s out ad-hoc investigations or internal reviews as requested by the Head of AML/CFT/CPF.
• Reviews and investigates potential match cases generated by the Sanctions Screening system (and take appropriate actions) where applicable in line with Sanctions Policy and procedures.
• Ensures that systems alerts are actioned before the defined policy time limits.
• Develop, enhances and submits daily, weekly or monthly reports on sanctions as requested by The Head of AML/CFT/CPF.
• Develop, enhances and submits daily, weekly or monthly reports on sanctions as requested by Head of AML/CFT/CPF.
• Ensure the Sanctions Function carries out tasks related to sanctions as instructed by Head of AML/CFT/CPF.
• Carry out/Participates in projects that are related to regulatory compliance/ sanctions to ensure regulatory requirements are adequately implemented.
• Participates in the development and the implementation of the annual Compliance program and conduct spot checks and periodic testing to ensure that relevant functional departments adhere to regulatory requirements of sanctions.
•  Identify potential areas of compliance/sanctions vulnerability and risk, develop and implement corrective action plans for resolution of problematic issues.
•  Perform other duties as assigned by Head of AML and Chief Compliance Officer.
•  Verifying that all sanctions lists are correctly uploaded and accessible within the sanctions screening system by verifying newly added names against the relevant sanctions list through individual name checks.
•  Conduct quality checks on the effectiveness of Sanctions Screening system.
•  Ensure that all users of the sanctions screening system are aware of their compliance obligations.
•  Enhancing/adding slides on sanctions to the AML training and developing tailored awareness messages.
•  Coordinating with the HR training unit to ensure that all sanctions system users receive the relevant workshops.
•  Perform Sanctions annual risk assessment review and update accordingly.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of sanctions-related compliance, regulatory frameworks, and international financial regulations
• Proficiency in conducting due diligence, analyzing transactions, and managing compliance investigations
• Ability to develop and implement compliance procedures, with an eye for detail and accuracy
• Excellent communication and reporting skills to liaise with internal and external stakeholders
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills and experience in data analysis or review
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team, as well as independently manage responsibilities effectively
• Professional certifications in sanctions compliance, AML, or related fields are advantageous
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline
• Preferably certifications that are related to sanctions from ICA/CAMS
• Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and spoken