About the Role
This position involves performing duties in accordance with bank policies and departmental SOPs related to the KYC Review & Approval process. The candidate will lead a team responsible for conducting independent reviews of KYC files for client onboarding and KYC refreshes, as well as other trigger-based events. The role is critical in ensuring that KYC files are complete within agreed SLAs and meet the regulatory expectations of the UAE Central Bank. The Vice President (VP) will act as a team lead and support the Head of KYC Onboarding, balancing responsibilities as an individual contributor while guiding the team and offshore locations through daily activities. The VP will be accountable for the end-to-end KYC approval process, provide advisory support on KYC procedures and policies, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Ready to apply for roles like this?
Unlock the company name and direct application link. Subscribers get instant access to fresh jobs across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, many with visa support.
Unlock employer & apply directly
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the New to Bank Client Onboarding Process along with Periodic & Trigger Reviews, ensuring adherence to onboarding timelines.
- Ensure compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations and bank policies/procedures related to CDD, AML/CTF, PEP, and Sanctions.
- Verify that CDD information/documentation is complete in line with bank policies and local regulatory requirements.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate ML/TF, PEP, adverse media, and sanctions risks during CDD reviews.
- Escalate identified risks during CDD reviews to relevant stakeholders in FCC/Compliance and Business as necessary.
- Provide advisory on bank policies, regulatory requirements, the CDD process, and FCC risks.
- Conduct annual reviews of bank policies related to CDD, AML/CFT, PEP, and Sanctions.
- Draft and implement CDD SOPs and guidelines in accordance with updated regulations.
- Support the automation and enhancement of CDD processes and systems.
- Maintain adherence to internal policies, procedures, and external regulatory requirements at all times.
- Assist the Head of KYC Onboarding – Risk & Controls in addressing process-related challenges.
- Conduct independent analyses and approve cases up to high-risk levels, forwarding very high-risk cases to FCC and Compliance teams.
- Maintain prioritization discipline in partnership with local business, ensuring consistency and managed expectations.
- Participate in change management and digital initiatives while managing the KYC approval process.
- Collaborate with stakeholders (Business/RMs, Business Compliance, FCC/Compliance) to improve KYC processes and ensure timely reviews.
- Conduct training sessions for KYC teams and frontline staff on KYC policies, procedures, and processes.
People Management
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders across business lines and supporting functions.
- Support team members and other teams within Risk & Controls with timely assistance and solutions.
- Resolve conflicts and provide effective solutions to stakeholders.
- Coordinate efficiently with key stakeholders to deliver timely results.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and training for team members, ensuring ongoing performance feedback.
- Act as a role model to direct and indirect reports, promoting adherence to values and supporting talent development.
- Manage team tasks efficiently to meet TAT and deadlines, including managing holidays, sickness, and performance management.
MI Reporting
- Ensure timely maintenance of departmental MIs for senior management reporting.
- Update and track KYC deferrals and PEP trackers to resolution.
- Prepare presentations and dashboards on an ad-hoc basis.
- Facilitate interactions with stakeholders to help KYC teams achieve KPIs.
Generic Responsibilities
- Manage ad-hoc and administrative activities assigned by line managers.
- Operate within the framework and boundaries of Group policies and organizational governance.
- Make decisions authorized under the KYC authorization matrix.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Management, Banking, Finance, preferably with certifications in Compliance, KYC/AML/CFT, Financial Crime, or Risk Management.
- Minimum Experience: 8-10 years in a reputed bank, with a minimum of 5 years in Regulatory and Financial Crime Compliance (including AML, KYC, local and international regulations like FATCA, CRS, GDPR).
- Relevant experience in Compliance, AML, KYC, or Transaction Monitoring.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Proactive and business-oriented with strong prioritization and conflict management skills.
- Certifications Required: Certification in Compliance, KYC/AML/CFT, Financial Crime, or Risk Management; ACAMS or ICA certification.
