Senior Sanctions Advisory Officer

Your role

Do you have the experience and expertise to advise on US and international sanctions in the context of complex financial products and transactions and a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment? Do you want to protect the financial system from direct and indirect sanctions? Are you someone who likes to do the right thing? Do you know how to maintain independence and objectivity?

Do you have the experience and expertise to advise on US and international sanctions in the context of complex financial products and transactions and a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment? Do you want to protect the financial system from direct and indirect sanctions? Are you someone who likes to do the right thing? Do you know how to maintain independence and objectivity?

We are seeking a Director, Sanctions Advisory to serve as a trusted advisor and sanctions subject matter expert - turning complex requirements across multiple regimes into clear, actionable guidance and advice.

The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in assessing, and deciding on client and transactions cases involving a deep understanding of Sanctions regulators, in particular from the U.S. perspective.

• assess potential sanctions risk by investigating complex client structures and implement measures to mitigate identified risks
• produce clear, evidence-based investigation reports that support defensible decision-making
• conduct holistic client reviews and document sanctions risk assessments
• provide expert advice on regulatory requirements and expectations across multiple jurisdictions, with a strong understanding of evolving compliance frameworks
• interpret regulations and translate them into practical guidance for business and control functions
• develop and maintain a strong understanding of the bank’s business model, products, client base, and control environment
• make or support critical decisions on client relationships, escalation actions, and regulatory reporting based on investigation findings
• build capability across UBS by delivering targeted training and briefings for employees across divisions (Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Retail & Corporate, Asset Management) and embedding consistent application of internal sanctions guidelines

Full Time

341493

Zürich

You will join the Financial Crime Prevention function in Zurich. The team serves as a central hub for sanctions advisory, partnering closely with Compliance, Operational Risk Control, and key stakeholders across UBS to enable client activity and meet regulatory expectations through a strong, pragmatic control environment.

Diversity makes us stronger. We foster an inclusive culture with equal opportunities - helping our people grow, strengthening our business, and creating added value for our clients.

• university degree or equivalent qualification, ideally a master’s degree, in law, economics, finance, banking, international relations, or a related discipline
• 8+ years of sanctions, AML/CFT, and regulatory experience, of which 5+ years experience at the U.S. authority overseeing sanctions (Office of Foreign Assets Control)
• expert in U.S. economic sanctions programs, OFAC enforcement, and global financial crime risk
• demonstrated success leading regulatory examinations, governance initiatives, and enterprise compliance enhancements
• extensive experience interpreting legislation, regulations, executive orders, and regulatory guidance
• strong international engagement background with regulators globally
• deep understanding of global sanctions regimes and associated governance, risk, and control frameworks
• proven experience leading the assessment and implementation of sanctions regulatory changes arising from significant geopolitical, legislative, and regulatory developments
• experience engaging with regulators, audit functions, and executive governance forums
• exceptional analytical, judgment, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of high-quality materials for executive and board-level audiences

UBS is a…