Head of Transaction Monitoring

Head of Transaction MonitoringCountry: Spain

Head of Transaction Monitoring

• Location: Global / Flexible
• Area: Technology & Operations
• Reports to: T&O HQ / One FCC Program Manager

About The Organization

With over 170 million customers and operations across more than 20 countries, Santander combines global scale with a deep commitment to innovation, integrity, and excellence in financial services. Preventing financial crime and safeguarding our customers are fundamental pillars of our strategy and culture.

Role Purpose

This role will lead the design, development, and implementation of the in-house Lynx Transaction Monitoring (TM) platform for Correspondent Banking within CIB.

The successful delivery of this initiative will serve as a benchmark, enabling potential expansion across other business units and geographies — including Spain and other global markets.

This position ensures that the management of alerts and suspicious activity is both operationally efficient and fully aligned with the policies and frameworks established by Compliance and Risk. second line of defense (Compliance and Risk).The role also focuses on optimizing operational efficiency while actively contributing to the design and enhancement of technological platforms that support the detection and management of alerts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Global Platform Delivery

• Drive the end-to-end delivery of the Lynx TM platform for Correspondent Banking, ensuring timely, high-quality implementation across CIB.
• Set a clear strategic direction for Lynx as a best-in-class transaction monitoring solution with potential for global expansion.

2. Global Leadership and Coordination

• Lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams across multiple geographies, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a shared vision of excellence.
• Define and monitor performance metrics, ensuring on-time and on-budget program delivery.

3. Platforms and Technology

• Contribute actively to the design, development, and evolution of TM technology platforms.
• Partner with IT, data, and advanced analytics teams to enhance detection models, improve data quality, and streamline investigation processes.

4. First Line of Defense Execution

• Ensure operational processes align with regulatory frameworks and internal standards set by Compliance and Risk.
• Provide continuous feedback to strengthen and refine control frameworks.

5. Risk Management and Governance

• Guarantee compliance with regulatory frameworks and supervisory expectations across all relevant jurisdictions.
• Present regular updates on performance, emerging risks, and control effectiveness to senior management and governance bodies.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Minimum 12–15 years of experience in financial operations, financial crime prevention, or transaction monitoring roles within global financial institutions.
• Demonstrated success leading global, cross-functional, and distributed teams.
• Proven expertise with TM systems such as Actimize, Mantas, SAS, Thetaray, or equivalent platforms.
• Deep understanding of AML/CTF regulations, FATF standards, and other international regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies including machine learning, advanced analytics, and process automation.
• Ability to inspire, influence, and mobilize diverse teams in complex, high-pressure environments.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills across technical, regulatory, and executive audiences.
• Strong results orientation, with a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Opportunity to lead a strategic, high-impact program at one of the world’s leading financial institutions.
• Demonstrated success leading global, cross-functional, and distributed teams.
• Proven expertise with TM systems such as Actimize, Mantas, SAS, Thetaray, or equivalent platforms.
• Deep understanding of AML/CTF regulations, FATF standards, and other international regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies including machine learning, advanced analytics, and process automation.
• Ability to inspire, influence, and mobilize diverse teams in complex, high-pressure environments.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills across technical, regulatory, and executive audiences.
• Strong results orientation, with a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Opportunity to lead a strategic, high-impact program at one of the world’s leading financial institutions.

Technical Knowledge

Leadership Skills

What We Offer

• A dynamic, innovative, and collaborative environment fostering growth and learning.
• Professional development and exposure to top-tier stakeholders, advanced risk management methodologies, and cutting-edge monitoring technologies.