Senior AML Analyst, Sanctions

Senior AML Analyst, Sanctions

Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values:
High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.

As a Senior AML Analyst, Sanctions, you will play a critical role in safeguarding Circle's platform by executing and enhancing sanctions compliance processes across customers, transactions, and counter parties. You will own the end-to-end lifecycle of sanctions, PEP, and adverse media reviews, applying regulatory frameworks and internal policies to assess risk, make informed decisions, and ensure accurate documentation and escalation. This role requires strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within Compliance Operations.

What you'll work on:

• Review and investigate escalated sanctions, PEP, and adverse media alerts and recommend appropriate dispositions
• Assess general and specific sanctions licenses (e.g., OFAC) to determine transaction permissibility
• Maintain and validate sanctions screening data, including list updates across multiple jurisdictions
• Conduct sanctions screening on customers, counter parties, vendors, and employees
• Perform testing, tuning, and optimization of screening systems to improve effectiveness and reduce false positives
• Partner with Compliance, KYC, and cross-functional teams to support investigations and coordinate information requests
• Leverage data, automation, and AI tools to enhance screening processes and operational efficiency

What you'll bring to Circle:

Core Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in sanctions screening or financial crime compliance within a financial institution
• Strong knowledge of global sanctions frameworks including OFAC, HMT, EU, and UN
• Hands‑on experience reviewing and applying sanctions licenses to transaction scenarios
• Experience with screening systems such as Lexis Nexis Bridger, Fircosoft, or Thomson Reuters
• Ability to analyze large datasets efficiently; familiarity with SQL or similar tools
• Working knowledge of payment systems including wires, ACH, cards, and cryptocurrency transactions

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience in fintech or high‑growth environments
• Familiarity with AI, automation tools, or basic scripting to improve workflows
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, CFCS, or CGSS

Base Pay Range: $97,500 - $127,500

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other protected status required by the laws in the locations where we hire. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.