Sanctions Officer📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Hala is seeking a Sanctions Officer to join our team in Riyadh. This full-time position involves critical responsibilities in ensuring compliance with sanctions regulations within our fast-growing fintech environment. The role requires a professional with a strong understanding of sanctions screening processes and a commitment to maintaining financial integrity.

About Hala

Hala is a leading fintech company in the MENAP region, focused on redefining financial services for SMEs. Established in 2017 and licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank, Hala operates across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. We provide solutions that enable merchants to digitize payments and manage sales and operations, empowering SMEs with advanced financial and technological tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct sanctions name screening for new and existing customers, transactions, employees, and third parties.
• Analyze alerts generated by screening systems to assess match levels (False Match / True Match).
• Perform necessary investigations for potential matches, gathering supporting evidence before escalating to the Sanctions Manager.
• Execute instructions for stopping or suspending transactions as required.
• Maintain and update screening records, ensuring complete and accurate documentation.
• Implement freezing or temporary blocking of transactions or accounts upon confirmed matches, adhering to approved policies and procedures.
• Update and review approved sanctions lists within the system, ensuring timely reflection of regulatory changes.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all sanctions cases.
• Support the execution of requests from competent authorities related to specific sanctions cases, in accordance with approved authorities.
• Contribute to reducing false positives by providing practical feedback to enhance screening criteria and parameters.
• Conduct periodic rescreening of existing customers following sanctions list updates or changes in customer data.
• Support sanctions screening system effectiveness testing through sample review and match result validation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent years of relevant experience may be considered.
• 2–4 years of experience in AML/CTF and sanctions.
• Relevant certifications such as CCO, CGSS, or equivalent.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong investigative and analytical capabilities.
• In-depth understanding of sanctions screening processes and name-matching methodologies.
• Ability to assess complex risk scenarios and provide sound recommendations.
• Strong documentation and report-writing skills.
• Good communication skills in both Arabic and English.

Our Work Environment

Hala fosters an inclusive and diverse culture that supports innovation and flexibility, with options for remote, in-office, and hybrid work setups. We offer competitive compensation packages, including potential for shares. The company prioritizes personal development through regular training and an annual learning stipend. Join a talented team of over 40 nationalities working across 7 countries, gaining valuable experience in a hyper-growth environment. We provide autonomy, mentoring, and challenging goals, trusting individuals with responsibility to achieve optimal results.