About the Role
The Client Onboarding Analyst is a key position within the company Wealth team in Dubai, focused on creating an efficient onboarding experience for clients. The Analyst will work closely with the Senior Onboarding Analyst, Relationship Managers (RMs), Compliance and Operations to implement onboarding processes that adhere to the firm’s AML/KYC framework, UAE Federal requirements, and applicable DFSA/DIFC regulations. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and enhancement of client onboarding processes in an institutional-grade environment.
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Role Overview
The Client Onboarding Analyst will coordinate onboarding and client lifecycle requests, overseeing the account activation process, conducting KYC/CDD checks, and maintaining accurate records in Nexus and GO-CRM. The Analyst will also support continuous improvements to onboarding processes, controls, and technology used within the firm.
Key Responsibilities
Client Onboarding & Due Diligence
- Serve as the primary onboarding contact for RMs, providing guidance on requirements, case progression, and outstanding items.
- Collaborate with the Senior Onboarding Analyst, Compliance, Operations, Legal, Risk, and Finance to complete necessary reviews and operational setups for account activation.
- Manage onboarding cases for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, trusts, companies, and other wealth management structures from request through approval and activation.
- Collect and review relevant documentation for completeness and validity, including identification, ownership, control, and tax information.
- Perform KYC/CDD checks, including sanctions, PEP, and adverse-media screenings; document rationale for risk assessments.
- Identify beneficial owners and escalate higher-risk matters to Compliance as necessary.
- Maintain accurate client and account data and track onboarding activity across systems.
Client Lifecycle Management
- Carry out periodic and trigger-event reviews, account amendments, and closures within specified timelines.
- Maintain records in compliance with procedures and retention requirements, ensuring audit readiness.
- Apply onboarding checklists and controls, resolve quality-control findings, and prepare cases for approval.
- Engage clients for outstanding documentation and communicate status updates to RMs and stakeholders.
- Prioritize cases by risk and service requirements, managing pipeline and escalating blockers or risks.
Onboarding Excellence and Improvement
- Keep updated on AML/KYC, sanctions, tax regulations, and onboarding requirements related to UAE Federal legislation and DFSA rules.
- Identify areas for improvement in controls, guidance, and turnaround times; assist in designing and implementing onboarding processes and technologies.
Candidate Profile
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience in client onboarding, KYC, AML, client services, or operations in financial services, preferably in wealth management or private banking.
- Solid understanding of CDD, beneficial ownership, and screening requirements, with experience in documenting and validating client information.
- Desirable experience in reviewing private-client, corporate, or trust structures.
- Proficient with BNY Nexus or similar onboarding platforms preferred.
- Familiarity with CRM systems for tracking client information and activity.
- Skills in analyzing documentation, identifying inconsistencies, and summarizing cases concisely.
- Relevant professional qualifications are desirable, or a willingness to pursue certification.
Skills & Attributes
- High attention to detail and a disciplined approach to data quality and record keeping.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills capable of managing multiple requests and deadlines.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills; comfortable engaging clients and stakeholders.
- Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset with quick adaptability to established processes.
- Collaborative approach with sound judgment, willing to escalate issues appropriately.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; strong Excel skills are a plus.
- Positive attitude focused on continuous improvement.
