Director Business Line Compliance

Santander Corporate & Investment Banking

Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB) is the global division that supports some of the world’s most complex and sophisticated corporate and institutional clients, offering customised services to meet their needs.

Director – Business Line Compliance (Madrid)

In this role you will lead the Madrid Compliance function for Global Markets, Global Banking, and Global Transaction Banking, acting as a strategic partner to senior business leadership and a key member of the European and Global Compliance leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Set the strategic direction for Business Line Compliance in Madrid, aligning local priorities with SCIB global compliance objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior executive leadership, including regional heads of Markets, Banking, and Transaction Banking.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing compliance organisation, fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and risk awareness.
• Represent Spain in global compliance governance forums and contribute to enterprise‑wide decision‑making.

Front‑Office Advisory & Risk Oversight

• Provide senior‑level, real‑time advisory to Global Markets (sales & trading), Global Banking, and GTB on complex and high‑impact matters.
• Deliver credible challenge to business initiatives, ensuring activities operate within regulatory expectations and risk appetite.
• Oversee compliance coverage for complex products, structured transactions, and new business initiatives.

Regulatory Engagement & External Representation

• Serve as the primary point of contact for local regulators, maintaining strong, credible relationships with supervisory authorities.
• Lead responses to regulatory inquiries, thematic reviews, inspections, and enforcement matters.
• Represent Santander externally on key compliance and regulatory topics where relevant.

Regulatory Strategy & Change

• Anticipate and interpret regulatory developments across EU and global markets (MiFID II, EMIR, MAR, SFTR, etc.).
• Sponsor and oversee implementation of regulatory change programmes, ensuring timely and effective execution.

Frameworks, Controls & Conduct Risk

• Ensure design and execution of a robust compliance framework, including policies, procedures, surveillance and monitoring programmes.
• Oversee conduct risk management, investigations, and escalation processes.
• Lead the annual compliance risk assessment and ongoing risk identification activities.

Global Collaboration

• Partner closely with Global and US Compliance leadership to ensure a consistent and harmonised approach across jurisdictions.
• Drive cross‑border alignment in policies, controls and advisory practices.

Stakeholder Influence & Reporting

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Business, Legal, Risk, Audit and Control functions.
• Provide executive‑level reporting to governance committees, boards and senior management on compliance risks and issues.

Professional Experience

• 12–15+ years of experience in financial services compliance within a major global bank or regulated institution.
• Demonstrated experience operating at Director or equivalent senior leadership level.
• Proven track record advising senior business leaders in high‑pressure, complex environments.
• Extensive experience in Global Markets (FICC) compliance, with exposure to Investment Banking and Transaction Banking.
• Strong experience managing regulatory relationships and high‑impact supervisory engagements.
• Knowledge of US regulatory frameworks (CFTC/SEC, Dodd‑Frank) is highly desirable.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Advanced degree (MBA, Law, etc.) or professional certifications (CFA, ICA, CISI, ACAMS) – preferred.

Languages

• Fluent English.

Skills and Knowledge

• Deep expertise in European regulatory frameworks: MiFID II, EMIR, MAR, SFTR, and cross‑border regimes.
• Strong strategic mindset with the ability to translate regulation into business strategy.
• Exceptional leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills at executive level.
• Proven ability to challenge, influence and guide senior stakeholders while maintaining strong relationships.
• Highly resilient decision‑maker, comfortable operating under regulatory scrutiny and time pressure.
• Excellent communication skills – experience presenting to boards and senior governance forums.
• Strong organisational leadership and talent development capabilities.

Other Information

• Full‑time, permanent role based in Madrid.
• Regular interaction with global teams; international travel may be required.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model – flexibility with remote and on‑site days.
• Extensive learning opportunities – access to Santander Open Academy.
• Competitive salary with performance‑based bonuses.
• Preferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance and more.
• Well‑being programmes – BeHealthy and wellness initiatives.
• Childcare support and family‑friendly programmes.
• Employee assistance services – legal, emotional and administrative advisory.
• Wellness and fitness benefits – Gym/WellHub memberships, meal subsidies, parking, shuttle service and exclusive discounts for Santander employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer – inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. (EEO statement)

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