Head of Sanctions

About the role

Head of Sanctions at Qonto. 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

Location: Paris

Engagement: Full-time

Team: Anti-Financial Crime

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.

Join us in our mission to revolutionize the banking experience for businesses across Europe.