Location: New York,NY, USA
The Sanctions Program Associate is responsible for supporting the branch's Sanctions Program and directly supporting the Sanctions Program Manager. The individual will perform daily activities to ensure transactions and parties are screened in accordance with the branch's Sanctions program thoroughly and within the timeframes required by the regulators and internal policy.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
● Responsible for the live monitoring of payments and messages via the banks OFAC filtering system to ensure all transactions are in compliance with OFAC regulations and AML policies.
● Block, reject, and report transactions to OFAC as needed.
● Perform quality assurance testing for payments, messages, and OFAC stripping reviews for potential manipulation of transaction details.
● Perform quality assurance checks and validations of OFAC filtering systems to ensure systems are compliant per periodic release of OFAC SDN updates.
● Identify and implement Good Guy Rules in the eGIFTS transactions interdiction system.
● Review escalations from the Client On-boarding team pertaining to new and existing Counterparty relationships with respect to potential OFAC hits, negative news, and PEP hits.
● Assist with updates and enhancements to the Sanctions Desktop Procedures.
● Provide guidance and advisory on OFAC matters to other associates/analysts within the group and other business units.
● Develop and deliver Sanctions related training as needed.
● Update OFAC logs and other items as needed.
● Participate in user acceptance testing of new tools to measure the systems efficiency prior to production.
● Participate in Ad-hoc management requests with relation to Global Sanctions.
● Stay abreast with new laws and regulations that involve Global Sanctions Compliance.
● Gather monthly sanctions team's statistics on the screening of customers and transactions.
● Produce and submit the Annual Reporting of Blocked property to OFAC.
● Responsible for enhancements to the Sanctions Desktop Procedures, Section 311/9714 – Special Measures.
● Participate in reviews by Internal Audit and External Examiners.
● Other duties assigned by management, including supporting other special projects as needs arise.
Qualifications/ Skills:
● Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience related to Compliance, back office banking experience including knowledge of BSA/AML and/or OFAC rules and regulations.
● Must possess basic technical knowledge of BSA / AML, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC Sanctions compliance, Know Your Customer (KYC), and transaction screening review and reporting.
● Minimum of two years of Sanctions Compliance Investigation experience is required.
● Candidates will be expected to prepare reports, utilize and leverage tools such as Excel, Word, etc. Oral, written, and analytical abilities are crucial.
● Ability to work together with other departments to complete tasks as needed.
● Ability to follow internal policies and procedures.
● Must be a motivated self-starter willing and able to learn and hone new skill sets, detail oriented and able to work under pressure with multiple deadlines.
● Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) designation or ability to acquire within 90 days of hire. Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) a plus.
● Ability to read, write and speak Spanish highly desirable.
● Knowledge of LATAM / Spain regions highly desirable
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
With respect to this position in our New York Office, the expected base salary ranges from $110,000 to $125,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.
*Employment eligibility to work with BBVA in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions