We are partnering with a global investment bank in their search for a Financial Crime Compliance Officer (Sanctions Specialist). This is a 6-month temporary role based in London, offering a hybrid working model (50% in the office, 50% at home) and a day rate of up to £350 per day via Umbrella for the right candidate.

The Role

Sitting within the Financial Crime Advisory (FCA) team, you will focus on advising on and mitigating sanctions, financial crime, and reputational risks across the bank's client portfolio. You will act as a primary point of contact for first-, second-, and third-line queries, with a core focus on Sanctions compliance alongside Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sanctions & Financial Crime Advisory: Provide clear, comprehensive written advice on sanctions and financial crime risks relating to client onboardings, periodic reviews, and complex transaction escalations.
2. Escalations & Risk Assessments: Conduct and peer-review risk assessments on client files, addressing 1LOD escalations regarding sanctions, PEPs, and adverse news in line with strict KYC deadlines.
3. Policy & Framework Oversight: Maintain local financial crime procedures, ensuring alignment with evolving UK sanctions laws, global regulations, and internal controls.
4. Horizon Scanning & Training: Monitor changes in sanctions legislation, market trends, and regulatory updates, while delivering training to 1LOD colleagues.
5. Audit & Governance: Support internal audit requests, collate management information (MI), and represent the team during internal governance forums.

This role could be right for you if you have:

1. Experience: Strong 2LOD financial crime compliance experience within a global financial institution or consultancy, with demonstrated expertise in sanctions advisory and open-source investigations.
2. Technical Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of UK financial crime legislation, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices—specifically surrounding sanctions and KYC requirements.
3. Systems Expertise: Hands-on experience with industry screening tools such asDow Jones (Factiva and RiskCenter) or similar tools.
4. Soft Skills: Excellent research, writing, and analytical abilities to deliver clear risk assessments under time pressure, alongside strong stakeholder management skills.