Group Head of Sanctions and Exports Controls

The Group Head of Sanctions and Export Controls

Ebury (Location) Office - Hybrid: 4 days in the office, 1 day working from home per week

Role Description:

The Group Head of Sanctions and Export Controls is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing Ebury’s global sanctions and export control compliance framework. Operating at a strategic level, this leadership role sets the organisation’s global risk appetite and ensures that all products, services, and cross-border transactions comply with international sanctions regulations. As the ultimate escalation point and strategic lead, this role protects Ebury from regulatory, financial, and reputational risk while enabling commercial growth in dynamic global markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Global Strategy & Framework: Design and maintain Ebury’s global Sanctions and Export Controls framework, policies, and risk appetite statements. Ensure these are effectively cascaded across all global jurisdictions and aligned with Ebury's strategic expansion goals.
• Export Controls Oversight: Establish and govern comprehensive export control protocols tailored to Ebury’s trade finance and cross-border payment operations. Ensure robust screening and advisory processes for dual-use goods, military end-use, and restricted trade corridors (e.g., EAR, ITAR, UK Strategic Export Controls).
• Leadership & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global team of regional sanctions managers (e.g., UAE, UK, EU) and advisory officers. Foster a culture of compliance, operational excellence, and continuous learning.
• Board Reporting: Act as the primary point of contact for executive leadership and the Board of Directors regarding sanctions and export control risks. Provide regular, data-driven reporting on risk exposure, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and the effectiveness of the control environment.
• Regulatory Engagement: Manage relationships with key global regulators and competent authorities (e.g., OFSI, OFAC, EU authorities, and local FIUs). Lead responses to regulatory inquiries, audits, and exams related to sanctions and export controls.
• Ultimate Escalation Authority: Serve as the final point of adjudication for the most complex, high-risk, or politically sensitive escalations, determining Ebury’s stance on multi-jurisdictional conflicts of law, complex UBO structures, and high-risk trade finance deals.
• Systems & Technology Optimization: Partner with the Financial Crime Tech and Product teams to oversee the strategic direction of global screening platforms. Ensure screening logic is calibrated to mitigate global risks while minimizing false positives and operational friction.

Experience and Skills:

• Executive Expertise: 10+ years of deep subject matter expertise in financial crime, with a proven track record leading Sanctions and Export Controls functions at a global level, ideally within fintech, FX, correspondent banking, or trade finance.
• Comprehensive Regulatory Knowledge: Master-level understanding of global sanctions regimes (OFAC, OFSI, EU, UN) and international export control frameworks. Proven ability to navigate extraterritoriality and conflicts of law.
• Strategic Leadership: Extensive experience managing, scaling, and inspiring diverse, globally distributed teams of compliance professionals and subject matter experts.
• Commercial & Risk Acumen: Exceptional ability to align strict regulatory requirements with Ebury’s fast-paced commercial objectives, acting as a true business enabler while fiercely protecting the firm’s regulatory standing.
• Stakeholder Management: Highly developed communication and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence senior executives, board members, and global regulators.

Why Ebury?

• Competitive Starting Salary with an annual discretionary bonus that truly rewards your performance from day one.
• Dedicated Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced managers who are invested in your success.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Leverage state-of-the-art tailor made tools and systems that enable you to perform at your best.
• Clear, Accelerated Career Progression: Defined pathways to leadership and specialist roles within Ebury.
• Dynamic & Supportive Culture: Work in a collaborative environment where teamwork and personal growth are prioritized.
• Generous Benefits Package: Access competitive benefits tailored to your location, which typically include health care and social benefits.
• Central Office: A fantastic location with excellent transport links.

Ready to launch your career with a global FinTech? Click the ‘Apply’ Today and discover your potential at Ebury!