Head of Sanctions

About the role

Qonto is on the lookout for a Head of Sanctions to spearhead the creation and management of a centralized sanctions function as the organization evolves into a Credit Institution. This pivotal role will report directly to the Anti-Financial Crime Director for Western Europe and will be responsible for overseeing the sanctions framework across all European markets. The position entails ensuring regulatory compliance, refining screening operations, and assembling a skilled team to facilitate Qonto's expansion.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Formulate and document comprehensive sanctions policies, governance structures, and operational standards applicable across all Qonto markets.
• Establish quality assurance protocols to effectively monitor risk and validate the outcomes of investigations.
• Optimize screening operations by enhancing matching accuracy, managing alert volumes, and minimizing false positive rates.
• Collaborate closely with Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs), Product Development, Technology, Fraud Prevention, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) teams to embed sanctions requirements into payment processes and product offerings.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external regulatory bodies such as the ACPR and DGT, in addition to industry peers and banking partners.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the sanctions team, which includes both subject matter experts and operational leads.
• Monitor and assess the evolving sanctions landscape to ensure Qonto remains compliant with changing regulations.
• Provide training and support to internal stakeholders on sanctions-related matters to foster a culture of compliance throughout the organization.
• Prepare and present reports on sanctions compliance to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the sanctions function to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Participate in industry forums and working groups to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in sanctions compliance.

Requirements

• Significant experience in sanctions, embargoes, and financial crime compliance, ideally gained within a large banking institution or a prominent international financial entity.
• Demonstrated capability to navigate complex multi-country regulatory frameworks and translate those requirements into actionable operational processes.
• In-depth knowledge of payment ecosystems and the application of sanctions regulations across various payment schemes.
• Proven experience in managing screening tools, including vendor oversight, data quality assurance, and matching logic optimization.
• Strong leadership skills with a hands-on approach to managing operational details and team dynamics.
• Professional fluency in English is essential for effective communication.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with specific screening tools such as FircoSoft/FICO, World-Check One, ComplyAdvantage, or Neterium would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in French or another European language can enhance communication within the diverse team and with external partners.
• Previous experience in a fintech environment or a rapidly growing startup may be beneficial.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in Sanctions and Embargoes
• Knowledge of Regulatory Compliance (ACPR/DGT)
• Understanding of AML/CFT Frameworks
• Familiarity with Payment Ecosystems
• Proficiency in Screening Tooling and Methodology
• Strong Team Leadership capabilities

Practical notes

• The typical duration of the hiring process is around 20 working days, ensuring a thorough and efficient selection process.
• Qonto is a vibrant company with a workforce exceeding 1,600 employees, representing over 80 nationalities, fostering a rich and diverse workplace culture.
• It is important to note that Qonto will never request any form of payment from candidates during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring experience.
• Candidates should be aware that by applying, they consent to the processing of their data for a period of up to 2 years as part of the candidate pool, allowing for future opportunities within the organization.

If you are passionate about sanctions compliance and are looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic and innovative environment, we encourage you to apply for the Head of Sanctions position at Qonto. Join us in our mission to revolutionize the banking experience for businesses across Europe.