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 Integral 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 (Mi FID 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 General 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: Mi FID 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 – Be Healthy and wellness initiatives. Childcare support and family‑friendly programmes. Employee assistance services – legal, emotional and administrative advisory. Wellness and fitness benefits – Gym/Well Hub 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)

📌 Director business line compliance (Madrid)
🏢 Santander Corporate u0026 Investment Banking
📍 Madrid