KYC Operations Senior Lead

About the role

In this pivotal position, you will oversee several KYC Team Leads and their teams of analysts, ensuring that customer due diligence is conducted with the utmost quality and efficiency. Your primary focus will be on enhancing team performance, streamlining internal processes, and embodying the values of Wise while serving as an expert in the domain of financial crime prevention.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Provide leadership and mentorship to KYC Team Leads, promoting their professional development and career advancement.
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality benchmarks across the group, offering constructive feedback and coaching as needed.
• Identify opportunities for process enhancements aimed at boosting automation and operational effectiveness.
• Serve as a point of escalation for complex challenges, assisting senior management with audits and the formulation of policies.
• Oversee resource distribution and ensure that team objectives align with the wider goals of the organization.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to enhance communication and streamline internal processes.
• Develop and implement training programs to ensure that team members are well-versed in compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging team members to share insights and suggestions for operational enhancements.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, particularly in Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), or risk assessment.
• At least 1 year of experience specifically in KYC, AML, or financial compliance, with a solid understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience leading medium to large teams, with a track record of managing 20 to 60 employees effectively.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English are essential.
• Strong analytical abilities to assess metrics, pinpoint policy deficiencies, and offer actionable insights.
• A demonstrated history of taking initiative and thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Nice to have

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Law, or a related discipline.
• Relevant professional certifications such as ICA, CAMS, or equivalent credentials in EDD/AML.
• 2 to 3 years of experience in financial crime or compliance roles within the financial services industry.
• Familiarity with analytics tools such as Looker or Superset would be advantageous.

Skills & tools

• In-depth knowledge of KYC/AML regulations and compliance requirements
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Proficiency in performance reporting and data analysis
• Effective stakeholder management skills
• Expertise in designing and optimizing operational processes

Practical notes

• Application requirements: Candidates must submit a resume in English along with a cover letter. Resumes submitted in Portuguese will not be considered.
• The cover letter should articulate your motivation for joining Wise, how your values align with the company culture, your long-term career aspirations, and your approach to leadership.
• The compensation package includes Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), an annual self-development budget, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off benefits include 30 days of vacation, 3 personal days, 1 volunteer day, and a 6-week paid sabbatical after 4 years of service.
• Additional perks consist of 8 weeks of paid parental leave, transportation vouchers, food vouchers (730 BRL/month), meal vouchers (1,188 BRL/month), and access to TotalPass gym facilities.

This role at Wise offers an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic team in a fast-evolving environment, where your contributions will directly impact the effectiveness of KYC operations and the overall mission of the organization. If you are passionate about financial compliance and eager to make a difference, we encourage you to apply.

About the company

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a financial technology company that provides international money transfers and multi-currency accounts. Founded by Kristo Käärmann and Taavet Hinrikus in 2011, Wise went public on the London Stock Exchange in July 2021 and moves over $12 billion per month.