Sr. Director, Global Sanctions Compliance - job 2 of 21

As the Sr. Director, Global Sanctions Compliance at Visa, you will oversee the economic sanctions and export control compliance program. This includes managing a team of compliance professionals, conducting sanctions risk assessments, and designing controls to mitigate risks. You'll also develop and implement training programs, act as the subject matter expert on global regulations, and engage with regulators and key stakeholders to ensure compliance across the organization.

To succeed as a Sr. Director, Global Sanctions Compliance at Visa, candidates typically need extensive experience in compliance, particularly with economic sanctions and export control laws. A strong background in legal or regulatory environments, leadership experience in managing compliance teams, and exceptional judgment in high-stakes situations are required. Familiarity with technology solutions for compliance and auditing processes is also essential.

The Sr. Director, Global Sanctions Compliance ensures compliance at Visa by developing and implementing comprehensive sanctions compliance programs, conducting rigorous risk assessments, and overseeing screening processes. The director will also facilitate training sessions for staff, coordinate with other departments like Legal and AML, and manage communications with regulators to uphold Visa's compliance standards.

The work environment for the Sr. Director, Global Sanctions Compliance at Visa is hybrid, allowing for flexibility in balancing remote work and office presence. Employees are expected to come into the office 2-3 days a week, which fosters collaboration and team engagement while ensuring that compliance programs are effectively managed and executed.

A typical day for the Sr. Director, Global Sanctions Compliance at Visa might involve reviewing sanctions compliance reports, conducting team meetings to discuss ongoing initiatives, engaging with different stakeholders on compliance policies, and assessing any regulatory updates. This role also includes providing guidance to the team on complex compliance matters and preparing training materials for staff.

To manage a compliance team effectively, focus on building a culture of transparency and collaboration. Set clear goals and communicate expectations while providing regular feedback. Encourage open discussions about challenges and promote professional development through training initiatives. Utilizing technology to streamline processes can also significantly enhance your team's efficiency.

Staying updated with sanctions regulations requires a proactive approach. Regularly follow relevant publications, attend industry webinars, and participate in professional networks. Engaging with regulatory bodies and subscribing to alerts from organizations like OFAC will keep you informed about changes that could impact Visa’s operations.

When identifying a sanctions compliance risk, I recall conducting a thorough review of transactions that raised flags. I swiftly escalated the issue to senior management while collaborating with the legal team to assess potential implications. By implementing changes to our screening processes and conducting staff training, we mitigated the risk effectively.

My approach to training staff on compliance protocols is to make it engaging and interactive. Using real-world case studies helps learners understand the importance of compliance. Regular refresher courses ensure everyone is up-to-date, and I encourage feedback to continually improve our training materials and methods.

Handling regulatory inquiries about sanctions compliance requires transparency and preparedness. I would ensure all relevant documentation is organized and accessible. Open communication with regulators is crucial, so I'd prepare a responses strategy that outlines our compliance efforts and the steps we take to remedy any issues.

To measure compliance effectiveness, I would implement metrics such as the number of incidents identified, resolution times for compliance issues, training completion rates, and the effectiveness of screening processes. Regularly analyzing these metrics will help us assess our compliance program’s performance and identify areas for improvement.

My experience includes collaborating closely with Legal, Technology, and Business Development teams. By aligning compliance objectives with departmental goals, I ensure that compliance integration is seamless, enabling a comprehensive approach to risk management across the organization.

Determining appropriate controls for mitigating sanctions compliance risks involves conducting a thorough risk assessment, analyzing existing controls, and identifying gaps. I would engage with stakeholders to recommend tailored control measures that address specific risks while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize compliance initiatives by assessing potential risks and impacts on our operations. By collaborating with different teams, I can align priorities with business strategies, ensuring that critical compliance issues are addressed promptly while maintaining overall organizational objectives.

I have extensive experience with compliance audits, from preparing documentation to addressing findings. To ensure satisfactory outcomes, I focus on proactive planning by conducting internal reviews and remediation efforts before audits. Collaborating with audit teams fosters open dialogue, ensuring clarity on expectations and resolution strategies.