Sanctions Investigator ( contractor) MENA

What the work is

About the Role Binance, a global blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency exchange, is seeking an experienced Sanctions Investigator to join its Compliance team. This contract role is based in Saudi Arabia and focuses on conducting in-depth investigations into sanctions exposure and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) activities across Binance's global platform. The ideal candidate will possess strong investigative skills and a solid understanding of sanctions frameworks and CTF typologies within the crypto context. Key Responsibilities Conduct end-to-end investigations into sanctions-related alerts, CTF suspicions, and high-risk activities identified through transaction monitoring or referrals. Perform blockchain tracing and on-chain analysis to identify fund flows, wallet attribution, and links to sanctioned entities or terrorist financing networks. Investigate cases involving OFAC, UN, EU, and other global sanctions lists, applying relevant jurisdictional knowledge. Prepare clear, accurate, and well-evidenced investigation reports, including SAR/STR filings when required. Manage an assigned caseload within defined SLAs, prioritizing effectively and maintaining accurate case records. Conduct open-source research (OSINT) to enrich investigations and identify connections to sanctioned parties, terrorist organizations, or illicit networks. Support client off-boarding processes for cases involving confirmed or suspected sanctions exposure. Ensure all investigative activity aligns with Binance's Global Sanctions Policy and CTF compliance frameworks. Identify process gaps or control weaknesses observed during investigations and escalate recommendations for improvement. Qualifications and Requirements 5-10 years of experience in sanctions investigations, CTF investigations, or financial crime investigations within a crypto or financial services environment. Hands-on experience with blockchain analytics tools such as Chainalysis, Elliptic, or TRM Labs. Strong working knowledge of global sanctions frameworks (OFAC, UN, EU, UK) and CTF regulatory requirements. Proven ability to conduct complex, multi-source investigations and produce clear, defensible written outputs, including SARs/STRs. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, or a related field. Strong analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to connect disparate data points and form well-reasoned conclusions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ensuring investigation reports are audit-ready and suitable for regulators. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with competing priorities. Preferred Qualifications CAMS, CGSS, or equivalent professional certification. Prior experience in law enforcement, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), or a regulatory body. Experience with OSINT tools and open-source investigative techniques. Knowledge of DeFi, cross-chain activity, and emerging crypto financial crime typologies. Work Environment and Culture Binance operates as a remote-first organization, offering a work-from-home arrangement. The company fosters a user-centric global environment with a flat structure, encouraging collaboration and autonomy on challenging projects. Binance is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, recognizing the importance of a diverse workforce for its success. Application Process By submitting a job application, candidates acknowledge they have read Binance's Candidate Privacy Notice. Binance may utilize AI tools to support parts of the hiring process, including application and resume review, and assessment of responses. These tools assist the recruitment team, but final hiring decisions are made by human judgment.