KYC Specialist

About the role

The role centers on embedding and evolving the UK KYC program within a small, mission-driven Compliance team. You will own the definition, design, and operational execution of UK-specific KYC initiatives in direct partnership with the Global KYC Program Lead. This position requires hands-on involvement in day-to-day case handling while simultaneously shaping standards and controls for the UK framework. You will be expected to exercise initiative, demonstrate strong ownership, and contribute directly to the company's mission of building AI for knowledge. Success in this role depends on your ability to balance operational rigor with strategic program development while maintaining strict regulatory alignment.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define, design, and drive the ongoing development of the UK KYC program to ensure full alignment with global standards and UK regulatory expectations.

Execute day-to-day KYC operational activities, including complex case handling, escalations, quality assurance, and strict process adherence.

Identify gaps within the current UK KYC framework and proactively support enhancements to policies, procedures, controls, and end-to-end workflows.

Partner closely with Compliance, Legal, Operations, and business stakeholders to translate evolving regulatory requirements into practical and scalable program elements.

Develop, maintain, and distribute program documentation, training materials, and internal guidance to embed consistent KYC standards across the UK organization.

Monitor relevant UK regulatory developments and conduct impact assessments to determine necessary adjustments to the KYC program.

Represent UK-specific needs within global KYC initiatives to ensure local requirements are considered in centralized strategies and tools.

Act as a subject-matter resource and primary point of escalation for complex KYC matters across the business and Compliance teams.

Track, analyze, and report on operational performance metrics, emerging risks, and continuous improvement opportunities to the Global KYC Program Lead.

Champion the adoption of new controls and process improvements through collaboration with cross-functional partners.

Maintain a detailed understanding of the UK regulatory landscape to anticipate changes and ensure proactive program adaptation.

Requirements

Possess a minimum of 5 years of direct experience in KYC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), or financial crime compliance within a regulated financial services environment.

Demonstrate a strong understanding of UK regulatory requirements relating to KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML), including specific familiarity with FCA expectations and relevant legislation.

Have prior experience contributing to KYC program design, framework development, or large-scale process improvement initiatives.

Show solid hands-on operational KYC experience, with the demonstrated ability to step up and support program-level work and strategic objectives.

Exhibit strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to concisely and accurately share knowledge and decisions with diverse teammates.

Apply an analytical mindset with meticulous attention to detail and a practical approach to resolving operational and control issues.

Display the ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a global program structure and cross-functional environment.

Uphold a strong work ethic and the capacity to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced, mission-focused organization.

Nice to have

Bring experience from a second-line Compliance or Financial Crime function where oversight and risk management are core responsibilities.

Show a track record of enhancing or supporting KYC programs across multiple jurisdictions or regulatory contexts.

Hold relevant professional qualifications such as ICA or ACAMS, or equivalent certifications that validate expertise in compliance and financial crime.

Practical notes

The compensation range specified applies to the location in London, England, United Kingdom.

This engagement operates from the London office and requires physical presence as required by UK regulations and business needs.

Travel requirements are not specified beyond standard business operations within the UK and relevant jurisdictions.

Visa sponsorship may be considered for eligible candidates based on role requirements and jurisdictional needs, subject to company policies.

Candidates must meet the stated experience and regulatory knowledge thresholds to be considered for this position.

Applications will be reviewed based on the provided information, and only candidates matching the outlined requirements will be progressed.