Joannah Abela Sciberras
Summary
Dedicated and experienced Financial Crime Compliance professional with 20 years in the banking industry, specialising in Sanctions Compliance and AML Governance. I’ve spent the majority of my career building strong frameworks that protect the organisation from financial crime risk, leading sanctions initiatives from the ground up, and working closely with teams across all areas of the business. Known for being approachable, dependable, and detail-oriented, I provide practical guidance on complex regulatory issues while ensuring high standards are met. I care deeply about fostering a strong compliance culture, supporting colleagues, and driving meaningful, lasting improvements—always with integrity and purpose.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Sanctions Lead – Financial Crime Compliance
APS Bank Malta Plc
07.2021 - Current
- Lead the implementation and ongoing enhancement of the Sanctions Risk Management Framework, ensuring alignment with Malta, EU, UN, and OFAC sanctions regimes.
- Act as the main point of contact for all sanctions-related matters across Retail and Corporate business lines.
- Provide expert guidance to ensure consistent and compliant decision-making across the bank.
- Conduct regular monitoring and thematic reviews to assess adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and implement targeted monitoring plans and follow-up actions to address identified gaps.
- Represent the FCC function in governance forums and contribute to risk appetite discussions.
- Oversee key risk indicators (KRIs) and maintain a robust internal control framework across all business lines.
- Oversee screening of customers during onboarding and periodic reviews with potential sanctions exposure.
- Manage payment and client screening processes and assess business dealings with high-risk countries.
- Ensure timely and accurate regulatory reporting and maintain oversight of the bank’s sanctions screening system.
- Collaborate with all lines of defence to promote a strong compliance culture and effective risk management.
- Lead and contribute to FCC-related projects, particularly in the sanctions space, supporting the enhancement of the bank’s financial crime compliance framework.
- Provide ongoing AML guidance to business lines, including support on customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and risk-based decision-making.
Sanctions Manager - Financial Crime Compliance
HSBC Bank Malta Plc
12.2015 - 07.2021
- Provided ongoing sanctions-related advice and investigative support to Retail and Commercial Banking teams, including front-line staff.
- Investigated escalated sanctions cases and advised on appropriate actions regarding customer relationships.
- Prepared and collated monthly FCC reporting for the Head of FCC, MLRO, business heads, and regional FCC teams.
- Ensured timely submission of regulatory and Group reports while keeping up to date with key regulatory developments.
- Proactively adjusted internal policies in response to emerging sanctions requirements and trends.
- Acted as the central point of contact for payment and client screening issues across the bank.
- Maintained strong working relationships with stakeholders across FCC and senior management to promote a sound compliance and risk culture.
Financial Planning Officer
HSBC Bank Malta Plc
04.2006 - 12.2015
- Promoted and sold a wide range of licensed financial products including mutual funds, bonds, insurance, and structured products, aligned with clients’ financial objectives and eligibility.
- Conducted basic financial reviews and product explanations to support clients in making informed investment decisions, within a non-advisory, sales-based framework.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships through consistent follow-ups, portfolio updates, and professional service.
- Achieved and exceeded product sales targets while maintaining a high standard of compliance and service delivery in a regulated environment.
- Coordinated with internal teams including compliance, product, and operations to ensure smooth client onboarding and transaction execution.
- Participated in investment campaigns and financial education initiatives, contributing to branch sales goals and product visibility.
- Ensured timely and accurate completion of all documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal control procedures.
- Supported business growth through product knowledge, market awareness, and an approachable, customer-focused attitude.
Cashier and Customer Care Official
HSBC Bank Malta Plc
10.2002 - 04.2006
- Assisted customers with day-to-day banking needs, including cash transactions, account queries, and basic product support.
- Delivered high-quality customer service in a fast-paced branch environment, building strong client rapport and trust.
- Supported branch operations through accurate processing, attention to detail, and teamwork.
Education
Institute of Business Management - MCAST
Lead Training Services Malta
01-2019
ICA - International Compliance Association
01-2017
Skills
- Strong Analytical & Critical Thinking
- Leadership in Regulatory Projects
- Effective Communication & Collaboration
- High Integrity & Ethical Decision-Making
- Strategic Problem Solving
- Adaptability in Complex Environments
- Passion for Compliance Culture
- Attention to Detail
Affiliations
- Member, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS)
- Member, International Compliance Association (ICA)
Key Projects & Strategic Initiatives
- Sanctions Screening System Ownership – Oversee the configuration, performance monitoring, and continuous enhancement of the bank’s screening platform in coordination with IT and third-party vendors.
- Payment & Client Screening Oversight – Ensure robust real-time and batch screening processes are in place for customer onboarding and payments, escalating potential sanctions matches and maintaining audit-ready records.
- Country Risk Assessment – Lead the periodic reassessment of high-risk countries, incorporating regulatory updates, typologies, and geopolitical risks to ensure alignment with the bank’s risk appetite.
- Drive the execution of the Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA) process, coordinating inputs across departments and ensuring timely submission aligned with regulatory expectations.
- Conduct compliance reviews across business lines, identifying control gaps, ensuring timely remediation, and strengthening the bank’s overall risk posture.
- Monthly FCC Reporting – Compile and present detailed FCC metrics and risk insights to senior management, MLRO, and Group FCC, supporting data-driven decision-making.
- Cross-functional Project Leadership – Act as lead or key contributor to compliance-related projects across departments, working closely with Legal, Risk, IT, and Business Lines to ensure timely and effective delivery.
Timeline
Sanctions Lead – Financial Crime Compliance
APS Bank Malta Plc
07.2021 - Current
Sanctions Manager - Financial Crime Compliance
HSBC Bank Malta Plc
12.2015 - 07.2021
Financial Planning Officer
HSBC Bank Malta Plc
04.2006 - 12.2015
Cashier and Customer Care Official
HSBC Bank Malta Plc
10.2002 - 04.2006
Institute of Business Management - MCAST
Lead Training Services Malta
ICA - International Compliance Association
Similar Profiles
Nancy ZammitNancy Zammit
Relationship Support Associate at HSBC Bank Malta PlcRelationship Support Associate at HSBC Bank Malta Plc
Marco ZammitMarco Zammit
Corporate Relationship Manager at BNF Bank Malta PlcCorporate Relationship Manager at BNF Bank Malta Plc
Pamela BorgPamela Borg
Payments Operations Manager at APS Bank PlcPayments Operations Manager at APS Bank Plc
Vaibhav JainVaibhav Jain
Associate – Financial Crime Operations - Sanctions Screening at National Australia BankAssociate – Financial Crime Operations - Sanctions Screening at National Australia Bank
Sivabalan GnanaganiSivabalan Gnanagani
Lead - Financial Crime Compliance at Solaris SELead - Financial Crime Compliance at Solaris SE