Requirements

• Significant experience (5+ years) in sanctions compliance, with a focus on screening and implementation of controls aligned to OFAC expectations within fintech or payments
,
• Strong understanding of UK (OFSI), EU, and US (OFAC) sanctions regulations, with experience scaling financial crime controls across these markets
,
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex regulatory frameworks and explain them clearly to stakeholders, translating them into product requirements and screening logic
,
• Experience collaborating with product and engineering teams to develop financial crime controls and working directly with product teams in a fast-growing environment
,
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to inform decisions and drive business decisions
,
• Experience in supporting a maturing anti-financial crime program
,
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
,
• Experience with product management methodologies and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence) and risk and controls software
,
• Experience working with global teams

What the job involves

• We're seeking a passionate Senior Sanctions Risk Manager to join our Product Compliance team in the UK
,
• You'll leverage your deep sanctions expertise (OFSI, EU, OFAC, etc.) to embed robust controls into our products and optimize our screening capabilities, working directly with product managers, analysts, and engineers as a primary stakeholder to facilitate growth, minimize user friction, and maintain top-tier compliance across all our markets
,
• You'll be a central primary stakeholder in integrating sanctions compliance into our payment products and enhancing our screening tools
,
• Your goal is to ensure our controls are effective, efficient, explainable, and support our global expansion while meeting regulatory expectations (including US sanctions) and providing a seamless user experience for our customers
,
• You will focus on driving forward the vision to address sanctions risk by reviewing and uplifting our controls to best support customers and our ever-growing suite of products
,
• Contribute as a primary stakeholder to the development and execution of the sanctions compliance roadmap within our payment products and screening solutions
,
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering to embed sanctions requirements into the design and development of our diverse suite of products and screening tools
,
• Interpret complex sanctions rules and translate them into clear product requirements, screening logic, and actionable guidance for relevant teams
,
• Serve as a sanctions SME for product, engineering, and operations teams, providing timely and effective guidance and risk assessments
,
• Proactively engage in strategic product discussions and initiatives to identify and mitigate potential sanctions risks in new features and markets
,
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders (Compliance, Legal, Risk) and external partners to address sanctions-related issues and ensure consistent application of standards
,
• Design and implement appropriate control monitoring frameworks to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of sanctions measures within our products and screening processes
,
• Utilize data and KPIs to measure the performance of sanctions controls, identify areas for improvement, and support a culture of continuous enhancement
,
• Contribute to the periodic review and assessment of sanctions controls to ensure alignment with evolving regulations and industry best practices
,
• Contribute to the mapping and assessment of sanctions risks within our products and screening processes as part of the broader financial crime risk assessment
,
• This role will give you the opportunity to:
,
• Grow your hands-on Fintech knowledge at full speed
,
• Keep compliance right at the heart of the product development cycle, in a fast-moving environment
,
• Be empowered to identify ‘regulatory problems’ and take a lead in the solution design and implementation

• Stock: At Wise, we’re all invested in our mission. And through our individual roles, we each take ownership of achieving it. That’s why, alongside your salary, we grant Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to all Wisers, so we can all share in our success
,
• Paid sabbatical: It's a marathon, not a sprint. We know working at Wise is challenging and all our people go above and beyond for our customers. That’s why, after 4 years at Wise, you’ll have the option to take a sabbatical. You’ll get 6 weeks’ paid time off and £1,000 financial support
,
• Work from anywhere: After your first 6 months, most people can work virtually from (almost) anywhere in the world for up to 90 days a year: Yep, just about anywhere on the planet. This gives you the flexibility to visit your family, or travel and experience living the way many of our customers do. And of course, use our product while you’re at it
,
• Me Days: You get 3 ‘me days’ per year to help you manage your life. This can be used for whatever you like — perhaps to take the dog to the vet, to pamper yourself, or take your Mum on a day out. It’s completely up to you. Me days are prorated in your first year, based on your start date
,
• Parental leave: We offer a minimum of 18 weeks (or 4 months in Estonia) of fully paid parental leave for birth or adoption, if a person has been at Wise for 1+ year at the due date or adoption date. This applies regardless of gender, or your partner’s parental leave policies
,
• Professional development fund: There’s no shortage of growth opportunities at Wise and it’s up to you to choose how you want to develop your skills to get there. That’s why all our employees have a dedicated yearly allowance to boost their professional development
,
• Flexible working: We know that teams and individuals all have different needs depending on what they need to deliver, as well as their personal circumstances. That’s why we have company-wide principles around flexible working and our teams set their own guidelines too. We expect new joiners to be in the office most days to build connections and learn from colleagues for their first six months
,
• Creative workplaces: We design our offices to be enjoyable spaces, where everyone can do their best work. Many are dog-friendly, with massage chairs, games areas and more. We encourage cross-team relationship building through weekly or bi-weekly team lunches, snacks and drinks. Plus regular social events and activities that Wisers can get involved in, such as running club, yoga, gaming or pottery
,
• Mission Days: Mission Days is an opportunity that happens twice a year for many of our Wisers to connect around the globe, come together and foster relationships. From the diverse and inclusive atmosphere to the thoughtfully designed collaboration, you’ll experience the power of networking, cross-team collaboration, and gaining a global perspective that propels Wise’s mission forward
,
• Compassionate and sick leave: There may be times when you need to care for another, have a family emergency that you weren’t expecting, or a bereavement. We offer 5 paid days of compassionate leave per calendar year. Of course, you may need more than that, and this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We also offer 10 days leave on full pay for any Wisers affected by pregnancy loss, ​​including those who are partners or surrogate mothers. Wise offers up to 15 paid sick days each year
,
• Employee Assistance Program: This free, confidential service is there to support you with anything that’s on your mind. Whether you need mental health support, financial or legal guidance, help with a family issue or how to manage your work-life balance – their experts are on hand to provide you with the help you need. This service is available 24/7 over the phone, online or face to face
,
• Holiday/Vacation: Wisers in all locations get a minimum of 33 days paid time off per year, including local public holidays, to rest, relax and recharge your batteries
,
• Employee Referral Scheme: This is an initiative that encourages you to help us find potential new joiners through your own networks. And as a reward, we pay a bonus for all successful hires
,
• Volunteering day: As a mission-driven and socially responsible organisation, Wise encourages employees to support their community. We offer a day each year for you to volunteer with an organisation of your choice
,
• Social get togethers: As well as regular team lunches and get togethers in the office, we also have a 'fun budget' of £30 (or local currency equivalent) per Wiser per month to connect with our teams, in person or virtually.
,
• Paid time off: 36 days PTO (holiday, paid time off) per year, including paid public holidays
,
• Life insurance: We’ll provide you with 1x the amount of your salary up to $200,000 in paid Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
,
• Short and long-term disability coverage: Wise will provide you with paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
,
• Health plan benefits: If you’re a full-time employee, you’re eligible to enroll in insurance coverage within your first 30 days of employment. The coverage options include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision and supplementary coverage
,
• 401(k): Save towards your retirement with our 401(k) plan. Wise will match 100% of your contributions from 1-2% and 50% of your contributions from 3-6%
,
• Commuter benefit (NYC only): You can enroll in a Commuter FSA that will set aside tax-free funds from your paycheck that can be used towards eligible commuter transit
,
• Dog-friendly: You’re welcome to bring your well behaved friends to the NYC office. Unfortunately our Austin office doesn't allow pets
,
• Annual leave: 25 days paid holiday + UK paid bank holidays per calendar year. This is prorated for those who work part-time and/or started midway through the year
,
• Maternity leave: Get an extra 8 weeks’ maternity leave on top of the 18 weeks’ global minimum. So that’s 26 weeks total leave at full pay, plus an additional 13 weeks at statutory maternity pay
,
• Life Insurance: All Wisers get life insurance at 4 times your salary
,
• Private medical insurance: We provide a private medical coverage plan, where the only cost for you is any excess and the associated tax. You’re also able to cover your partner or family for an additional fee
,
• Income protection insurance: All Wisers are covered for 60% of income after six months of illness
,
• Critical illness insurance: Protect yourself in case of serious injury or illness through this self-funded, salary sacrifice benefit offered at preferential rates
,
• Dental Insurance: Protect your teeth with discounted, self-funded insurance for you and your family
,
• Eyecare vouchers: Check your eye health and eye sight, as well as get access to free glasses and 15% discount on upgrades
,
• Flu vouchers: Free flu vaccine vouchers each year
,
• Financial education programme: All Wisers can access free one-to-one financial consultations, online resources and regular masterclass sessions to understand their personal finances and find answers to common issues
,
• Pension: Save towards your retirement with our contributory pension plan. When you contribute 3% upwards, Wise will contribute 5% on top
,
• Season ticket loan: Save on transport costs to and from work with our Annual Season Ticket Loan
,
• Cycle to work scheme: Hire a new bike, along with equipment, and spread the cost over 12-months while making savings on tax and National Insurance. Deductions are taken from your monthly pay
,
• Gym membership: Get discounted membership at over 3,000 of the UK’s leading gyms, boot camps and yoga studios
,
• Charitable Giving: Donate to charities, tax free, directly from your payslip
,
• Travel insurance: Get discounted, self-funded protection for you and your family for unlimited trips. Winter sports and scuba diving included
,
• Dogs: We’re a dog friendly company. You’re welcome to bring your well behaved friends to the office
,
• Sauna and terrace: We have an in-office sauna and a terrace you can use to relax and hang out with your team