Howard Spieler

About Howard Spieler

Howard Spieler is a Certified Sanctions Specialist (CSS), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), and Certified International Sanctions Compliance Officer (ISCO) with over 20 years of experience in financial crime compliance across both first- and second-line functions. He is a recognized thought leader in the sanctions space, having delivered over 30 speaking engagements on sanctions compliance topics for professional and industry audiences. Awarded the 2025 Global Sanctions Leadership Award from the Coalition Against Financial Crime for contributions to the industry.In June 2023, Howard joined Citigroup as the Sanctions Business Risk Officer for Banking, where he partners with key stakeholders across the first and second line to ensure alignment with global sanctions regulations, internal policies, and firm risk appetite.Previously, he served as Vice President in the Global Sanctions Compliance Department at MUFG, where he supported global program initiatives, led sanctions risk assessments, advised on complex transactions, and participated in product reviews with cross-border implications. Before that, he was a Sanctions Compliance Officer within AIG’s Financial Crimes Group, providing strategic advisory and subject-matter expertise across the bank’s global network.Earlier in his career, Howard served under the Bloomberg administration, spending a decade in public service. For seven years, he was the Head of Compliance at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where he oversaw regulatory reporting and developed a risk-based compliance framework for a $30 billion portfolio of public-private real estate transactions.Howard has been actively involved in the compliance community, currently serving as Chair of the Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists (ACSS) New York Chapter since July 2023. From 2016 to June 2023, he was a board member of the ACAMS New York Chapter, serving the last five years as Co-Chair.He holds a Master’s in Accounting from Kean University, an MBA from St. John’s University, and a BA in Political Science from the University at Albany (SUNY).

Experience

1. Business Sanctions Risk Officer, Banking

   Citi

   Jun 2023 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Act as a sanctions subject matter expert for the Banking division, advising stakeholders on complex regulatory issues, high-risk transactions, and client due diligence. Lead reviews of sanctions controls, assess the impact of evolving regulations, and close control gaps through proactive monitoring. Develop and deliver tailored training, update policies and procedures, and ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and internal risk appetite.

Education

• St. John's University, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business

  MBA, Finance

  1997 — 2000

• Kean University

  MS, Accountancy

  2009 — 2012

• University at Albany

  BS, Political Science

  1992 — 1995