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