Your Role
Do you possess the experience and expertise to advise on US and international sanctions within the context of complex financial products and transactions in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment? Are you committed to safeguarding the financial system from direct and indirect sanctions? Do you prioritize integrity and uphold independence and objectivity in your work?
We are seeking a Director, Sanctions Advisory, who will act as a trusted advisor and sanctions subject matter expert, simplifying complex requirements across multiple regimes into clear, actionable guidance and advice. The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in evaluating client transactions, leveraging a profound understanding of sanctions regulators, particularly from a US perspective.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Your Team
You will join the Financial Crime Prevention function in Zurich. This 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 that provides equal opportunities, helping our people grow, strengthening our business, and creating added value for our clients.
Your Expertise
- 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, including 5+ years at a U.S. authority overseeing sanctions (Office of Foreign Assets Control).
- Expertise in U.S. economic sanctions programs, OFAC enforcement, and global financial crime risk.
- Proven track record of leading regulatory examinations, governance initiatives, and enterprise compliance enhancements.
- Extensive experience interpreting legislation, regulations, executive orders, and regulatory guidance.
- Strong background in international engagement with regulators globally.
- In-depth understanding of global sanctions regimes and associated governance, risk, and control frameworks.
- Proven experience in leading the assessment and implementation of sanctions regulatory changes due to 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 the preparation of high-quality materials for executive and board-level audiences.
Join Us
At UBS, we recognize that our people, with their diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds, drive our ongoing success. We are dedicated to our craft and passionate about prioritizing our people. This commitment offers new challenges, a supportive team environment, opportunities for growth, and flexible working options when possible. Our inclusive culture brings out the best in our employees, regardless of where they are on their career journeys. We also leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance our efficiency and productivity. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do because, together, we are more than just individuals.
If you require reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process, please reach out to us.
Apply online using the form below.
Contact Details
UBS Business Solutions SA
UBS Recruiting
Disclaimer / Policy Statements
UBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.