Head of Sanctions

Some careers open more doors than others.

If you’re looking for a career that will unlock new opportunities, join HSBC and experience the possibilities. Whether you want a career that could take you to the top, or simply take you in an exciting new direction, HSBC offers opportunities, support and rewards that will take you further.

Our Risk and Compliance function has a critical role to play in supporting, challenging and advising across all areas of the business through establishing policy, monitoring profiles, and identifying and managing forward‑looking risk and compliance. We focus on creating an environment that encourages our people to speak up and do the right thing, as well as protecting our customers, the organisation and the integrity of the financial markets in which we operate.

Already an industry‑leader in many respects, we want to continue setting standards and evolving to respond to strategic changes.

Financial Crime (FC) is a second line of defence (SLOD) function that includes Risk Stewards, who are independent of the commercial risk‑taking activities undertaken by the Group’s businesses (the first line of defence or FLOD). FC also operates a set of critical controls on behalf of the FLOD by harnessing intelligence, analytics, technology, detection and investigation. The Risk Stewards are responsible for reviewing and challenging all the activities of the FLOD to ensure that, as Risk Owners, they effectively manage the financial crime risk inherent in, or arising from, the conduct of their activities and for which they are responsible.

Financial crime risk is a non‑financial risk that includes fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption, sanctions violations, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, export control violations and tax evasion

Reporting to the Head of Financial Crime, HSBC UK, you’ll lead a team of around 9 FTE based in the UK work closely with colleagues across HSBC UK and the wider Group, particularly where there are cross‑border customers or risks.

• Set sanctions policy definition and provide policy guidance across HSBC UK
• Provide SME advisory on the interpretation of sanctions policy and regulation
• Advise HSBC UK lines of business and functions on material sanctions risk matters and reputational issues
• Deliver independent second line oversight of sanctions risk exposure including analysis reporting and governance
• Manage engagement with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) including timely regulatory disclosures
• Oversee critical systems and controls that support sanctions risk mitigation
• Build a strong financial crime culture that supports speaking up and doing the right thing
• Partner with colleagues across HSBC UK and the wider Group on cross‑border customers and risks

• Bring extensive sanctions expertise ideally gained within financial services and complex organisations
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of retail and commercial banking products
• Show significant experience across risk management and operations management
• Apply strong knowledge of financial crime and regulatory compliance risks
• Influence executives at all levels through clear communication and effective stakeholder management
• Engage with regulators and handle regulatory matters with care and rigour
• Interpret and evaluate large volumes of information and produce succinct management summaries
• Develop practical solutions to complex issues through a strategic approach

This role is based in Birmingham or Londonon a hybrid working basis.