Risk & Compliance

At Santander International, effectively managing risk is a fundamental aspect of our day-to-day operations. Understanding and controlling risk in all our activities is crucial to ensure the successful management of our business.

Given the increasing complexity and significance of the financial services industry, we recognise the need for a robust risk culture that can proficiently handle and regulate a wide range of risks faced by the bank, its shareholders, employees, and customers.

What we do

Our Risk & Compliance function is responsible for overseeing and controlling various types of risks across the bank to ensure their effective management. It is our function's responsibility to instill a strong risk culture throughout the organisation.

Within the Risk & Compliance function, we have a diverse range of roles, including Analysts, Managers, Investigators, Senior Managers, and Heads of Business. These roles span across the following key business areas:

Credit Risk

Credit Risk plays a pivotal role in supporting customers' financing needs, particularly for mortgages. Their responsibilities encompass assessing and approving lending applications, as well as managing ongoing credit facilities to ensure optimal outcomes for all stakeholders. Additionally, the Credit Risk team is responsible for developing and maintaining appropriate credit policies.

Operational Risk

The Operational Risk team is responsible for overseeing, monitoring, and reporting on the bank's operational risk profile across the organisation. They define, direct, and embed effective operational risk management practices at all levels of the bank. This includes oversight of the bank's Transformation and Change initiatives, Data Management risks, Operational Resilience, Cyber & IT risks, Outsourcing risk, People-related risks, and risk culture. Within Santander International, the Operational Risk team also embeds and monitors Risk Appetite Frameworks, Risk Certifications, Emerging Risk, Climate Change Risk, and Risk Reporting.

Compliance

Compliance operates as an independent second line of defense risk function, playing a vital role in overseeing, managing, and mitigating conduct, regulatory, and reputational risks for Santander International. The Compliance teams work as trusted partners, providing forward-looking, informed, and pragmatic support to various business areas in identifying, assessing, managing, and reporting on these risks. They ensure that decisions and actions prioritise the best interests of customers and align with our conduct and regulatory obligations, adhering to Santander International's values and behaviours. Santander International's compliance function also supports the entire business by performing governance and secretariat functions for executive committees and forums. We foster an open and collaborative approach while upholding and promoting a strong risk culture to support the achievement of Santander International's strategy. Our compliance team comprises compliance analysts and governance & secretariat professionals, creating an exceptional environment where knowledge and experiences can be shared. We value talented individuals with diverse technical skills and backgrounds.

Line 2 Financial Crime Compliance

This function serves as the second line of defense, providing control and oversight in our efforts to combat financial crime. It encompasses the following areas:

• Complex investigations
• Controls, models and analytics
• Assurance plans
• Policy, advisory and external engagement
• Group engagement

By having a dedicated Risk & Compliance function, we ensure that risk management remains a top priority, enabling us to safeguard our stakeholders and maintain a strong and secure financial services environment.