Compliance Senior Specialist - Sanctions

Location: Global

Team: General

About the Role

Wise is a global technology company revolutionizing the way people and businesses move and manage money across borders with minimal fees and maximum ease. As a Compliance Senior Specialist - Sanctions in our Risk and Compliance team, you will serve as a sanctions subject matter expert, investigating escalated alerts on transactions matching OFAC, EU, UK, and other sanctions lists. Your role involves final decisioning on Level 3 cases, analyzing beneficial ownership and potential links using investigative tools, preparing regulatory filings like block/reject reports and Voluntary Self-Disclosures, and providing expert advice to internal teams. Joining our Sanctions Investigations and Reporting team, you'll help maintain robust compliance controls, facilitate governance over screening frameworks, and drive improvements in sanctions operations. This global role offers the chance to work on high-impact projects in a fast-paced environment, coordinating with the Team Lead on ad-hoc initiatives while supporting regulatory exams, audits, and employee training. With Wise's mission to build money without borders, you'll contribute to a diverse, inclusive team pioneering financial innovation for everyone, everywhere. If you bring strong sanctions knowledge, investigative skills, and a passion for ethical compliance, this position in Austin (with global flexibility) empowers you to make a real difference in safeguarding our platform while advancing your career in a supportive, values-driven culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and provide final decisioning on escalated sanctions cases for Level 3 review
• Use investigative tools and web research to analyze vessel movements, beneficial ownership, and potential sanctions links
• Prepare and review draft sanction filings including block and reject reports to HM Treasury, OFAC, EU and other agencies
• Provide advice and subject matter expertise on sanctions related issues
• Help to facilitate governance over sanctions lists/screening framework
• Identify sanctions compliance issues/concerns and implement solutions
• Assist in the review of sanctions related regulatory examination and internal audit deliverables
• Assist with drafting sanctions procedures and providing training

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of sanctions experience
• High ethical standards, respect for confidentiality and privacy
• Ability to persevere in a fast paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of taking ownership and responsibilities
• Understanding of SWIFT payments, trade finance and cross border payments
• Experience drafting sanctions procedures

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of OFAC, UK and EU sanctions regulations
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple deliverables
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Conduct legal and investigative research utilizing open-source research systems
• Understanding of SWIFT payments, trade finance and cross border payments
• Proven track record of taking ownership
• Great team-player
• High ethical standards
• Perseverance in fast-paced environment

Benefits

• RSUs (stock options)
• Flexible working
• Parental leave
• Learning budget
• Paid sabbatical after 4 years
• Health insurance
• Company retreat
• Wise card

Wise is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce.