Vice President, Sanctions Governance, Risk and Controls

Job Level: Vice President

Job Function: Governance & Assurance

Location:

Jersey City, NJ, US, 07311

Employment Type: Full Time

Requisition ID: 6041

SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.

In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $144,000.00 and $180,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.

Role Description

The Vice President, Governance, Risk, and Controls, plays a key role in managing the Sanctions department’s policy-related documentation—drafting, revising, updating, and publishing essential materials. This role also oversees issues raised by the Sanctions team or those involving sanctions risk, supporting the design and implementation of effective controls and remediation efforts.

This individual serves as a trusted advisor to the First Line of Defense, providing credible challenge and guidance on sanctions risks and controls. They also coordinate responses to internal and external audits, regulatory inquiries, and internal testing requests, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of information.

Collaboration is central to this role. The VP partners with colleagues across the Governance team, Sanctions Compliance, and the broader Financial Crimes Compliance (FCC) function. They contribute to training initiatives, support special projects, and help drive process improvements and operational efficiencies. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as priorities may shift across the Sanctions and FCC

Role Objectives

Draft and maintain policies and procedures for the Sanctions Compliance team.
Monitor and track issues impacting the Sanctions function, and design and execute remediation plans.
Prepare documentation for issue closure, including Internal Audit Closure Packs and remediation action plans.
Promote understanding and adoption of sanctions compliance requirements across the Americas Division and Group Companies.
Provide advisory support and credible challenge to the First Line on sanctions-related risks and controls.
Collaborate with Governance and Compliance colleagues on cross-functional initiatives.
Support the development and collection of Management Information (e.g., KRIs, KPIs).
Support responses to requests for data and documentation from auditors, regulators, and internal testing teams.
Ensure proper recordkeeping in line with the bank’s retention policies.
Assist in developing training for FCC staff and broader bank personnel.
Oversee the retention and organization of compliance documentation.

Qualifications and Skills

7-10 years of experience in financial services, risk and/or compliance
BA / BS Degree Required; JD a Plus
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, particularly in drafting formal documentation.
Strong understanding of sanctions regulations and compliance program components.
Deep knowledge of sanctions-related risks and controls.
Proven ability to collaborate across teams and lead discussions on complex topics.
Effective project management and prioritization skills in a dynamic environment.
High level of accountability, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
Strong decision-making and influencing abilities.
Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements.
Familiarity with banking policies and regulatory compliance requirements.

SMBC’s employees participate in a Hybrid workforce model that provides employees with an opportunity to work from home, as well as, from an SMBC office. SMBC requires that employees live within a reasonable commuting distance of their office location. Prospective candidates will learn more about their specific hybrid work schedule during their interview process. Hybrid work may not be permitted for certain roles, including, for example, certain FINRA-registered roles for which in-office attendance for the entire workweek is required.

SMBC provides reasonable accommodations during candidacy for applicants with disabilities consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let us know at accommodations@smbcgroup.com.