Head of KYC

Company Description

As a leading provider of online financial services, Swissquote Group offers innovative solutions and comprehensive services to meet the wide-ranging demands of its global clients.

With an Online Trading Platform linked to more than 60 stock markets in over 40 countries, including off-exchange trading in derivative products, Swissquote offers simple, rapid, online trading in shares, bonds, funds, options, futures, warrants, ETFs, Structured Products, forex and cryptocurrencies.

Swissquote Group is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: SQN) and employs 1,000 professionals at its headquarters in Gland (Switzerland) and offices in Zurich, Bern, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Malta and Singapore.

Job Description

• Lead the Bank's KYC onboarding programme, acting as the main point of contact for sales teams and back office on all KYC-related matters.
• Manage a team of KYC & AML specialists, overseeing the onboarding of new clients and ensuring compliance with AML/KYC regulations and policies.
• Assess and challenge documentation received, perform quality controls on name screening and adverse media checks, and investigate any blacklist/sanctions hits.
• Identify and evaluate KYC risks, review customers' approval requests, and ensure Enhanced Due Diligence is conducted on high-risk customers.
• Support decision-making processes of client onboarding committees and analyse suspicious activities and AML red flags.
• Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits and regulatory investigations related to AML compliance.
• Keep abreast of regulatory developments and industry best practices, recommending changes to policies, procedures, and controls as necessary.
• Draft and update internal procedures related to KYC and AML processes.
• Provide regular reporting to management on KYC and AML matters.
• Support the Compliance Department and CCO on Compliance-related projects and contribute to the continuous improvement of the service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Law, Finance, Management or related field, with minimum 5 years' experience in insurance/banking/finance sector.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in KYC/AML/Distribution requirements and implementation processes.
• Fluency in English and French or German; additional European languages are a plus.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team, including providing mentorship and performance management.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle client complaints effectively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to prepare and present data and information.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills to identify issue root causes and recommend process improvements.
• PC literate with comprehensive knowledge of key Microsoft applications.

Additional Information

SQ1