Senior Compliance Officer, Sanctions

About the Company

EQ Bank is part of Equitable Bank, a challenger institution focused on rethinking conventional banking for Canadians. The organization serves more than 800,000 customers across Canada, and together with Concentra Bank supports credit unions serving over six million members. Combined assets under management and administration exceed $142 billion. EQ Bank’s digital platform has been recognized among Canada’s top banks on the Forbes World's Best Banks list since 2021.

Role Overview

The Senior Compliance Officer, Sanctions helps protect the bank by ensuring compliance with Canadian and international sanctions requirements, including rules issued by Global Affairs Canada, OFAC, the UN, the EU, and other applicable authorities. The position is responsible for reviewing potential sanctions issues, advising internal stakeholders on related risk, performing screening and risk assessments, maintaining aligned policies and procedures, and supporting reporting and regulatory engagement where needed. This role reports to the Associate Director, AML EDD and contributes to overall sanctions risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Associate Director, AML EDD in operating and strengthening an effective sanctions compliance program.
• Examine high-risk transactions connected to sanctioned countries, individuals, or organizations and provide guidance on next steps.
• Assess and investigate escalated potential sanctions list matches.
• Carry out sanctions screening for transactions, clients, and counterparties to surface compliance concerns.
• Advise business teams on sanctions exposure and regulatory expectations.
• Create and run training sessions to improve employee awareness of sanctions compliance.
• Prepare and submit required filings, including Sanctions Evasion Reports and Listed Person or Entity Property Reports, to FINTRAC.
• Help build, refine, and maintain sanctions policies, procedures, and compliance controls.
• Work with cross-functional partners to embed sanctions compliance into business processes.
• Review the sanctions program periodically to identify gaps or weaknesses and recommend remediation plans.
• Lead or assist with special projects and ad hoc work aimed at improving the sanctions framework.
• Monitor changes in sanctions laws, emerging developments, and industry practices, then evaluate the effect on bank operations.

Candidate Profile

The bank is looking for a professional with a bachelor’s degree in law, finance, business, or a related discipline, along with at least three years of Canadian financial services experience focused on sanctions compliance, financial crime compliance, or regulatory compliance. Strong working knowledge of Canadian and global sanctions regimes is important, as is experience with transaction review, sanctions screening, and risk assessment. Familiarity with screening tools such as World-Check is preferred. The role also calls for strong analytical ability, sound judgment, research skills, attention to detail, time management, and the capacity to manage several priorities at once. Clear written and verbal communication is essential, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. Professional certifications such as CGSS or CAMS are considered an advantage. French language ability is also an asset.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive discretionary bonus plan.
• Market-leading RRSP match program.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan.
• Maternity and parental top-up support.
• Generous vacation and personal days.
• Virtual events that help colleagues stay connected.
• Professional development support and a full career development program.
• Opportunity to join a leading fintech and help shape a modern banking experience.

Work Arrangement

This position follows a hybrid model. In-office time will be spent at Equitable Bank’s additional office space at 2200-25 Ontario Street, Toronto, Ontario.

Additional Information

Equitable Bank is committed to inclusion and believes the organization is stronger when diverse experiences and perspectives are welcomed and respected. The company supports growth both professionally and personally, and offers a recruitment process and work environment designed to be barrier-free for applicants. Accommodations are available upon request during the hiring process and beyond. All candidates selected for hire must pass both a criminal background check and a credit check.