Assistant Manager, Sanctions (UAE National)

Aventus; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Aventus in Dubai is seeking an Assistant Manager, Sanctions to join its compliance team. You will be the expert voice on sanctions risk, handling the most complex cases and strengthening the bank's controls.

You will work with Business, Operations and Compliance, lead investigations, track international and UAE sanctions, and deliver training. The role requires 5+ years in banking and strong AML/KYC knowledge, with excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of banking experience.
• Solid understanding of global and UAE sanctions.
• Experience with AML and KYC/CDD processes.
• Ability to analyze complex cases and make judgments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• ACAMS or CGSS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into complex and high-risk sanctions alerts.
• Track developments across OFAC, UN, UK, EU, and UAE sanctions, and translate them into practical guidance for the bank.
• Act as the sanctions subject matter expert for business and operations teams, including delivering training.
• Liaise with business units to gather client information and move cases to resolution.
• Identify risk trends and control gaps, and propose improvements to screening processes and systems.
• Prepare regular management information and reporting on sanctions activity.
• Support compliance change initiatives and system enhancements.

Skills

Banking experience

Sanctions knowledge

AML/KYC familiarity

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

ACAMS/CGSS certification

Job description

About the Client

Our client, a leading bank, is looking for an Assistant Manager, Sanctions to join its compliance team. This is a hands-on role where you will be the expert voice on sanctions risk, taking on the most complex cases and helping the bank sharpen its controls. You will work closely with Business, Operations, and wider Compliance colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into complex and high-risk sanctions alerts, ensuring sound decisions and full policy compliance
• Track developments across OFAC, UN, UK, EU, and UAE sanctions, and translate them into practical guidance for the bank
• Act as the sanctions subject matter expert for business and operations teams, including delivering training
• Liaise with business units to gather client information and move cases to resolution
• Identify risk trends and control gaps, and propose improvements to screening processes and systems
• Prepare regular management information and reporting on sanctions activity
• Support compliance change initiatives and system enhancements

Key Requirements

• 5+ years experience in banking
• Strong understanding of global and UAE sanctions frameworks
• Working knowledge of AML and KYC/CDD processes, plus experience with screening tools
• Analytical, detail-focused, and confident making judgement calls on complex cases
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Comfortable working with data and reporting
• ACAMS, CGSS, or equivalent certification is a plus