VP, KYC & Onboarding - Business Banking

About the role

First Abu Dhabi Bank is looking for a VP of KYC and Onboarding for its Business Banking function in Abu Dhabi. The role leads the team that independently reviews KYC files for client onboarding, KYC refresh and triggered events, ensuring files are complete within agreed SLAs and that AML/CTF/sanctions risks are identified, assessed and mitigated before clients are onboarded or retained. The VP acts as a team lead supporting the Head of KYC Onboarding, works with offshore locations on day-to-day activities and advises on KYC policy, screening, risk rating and risk matters.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the new-to-bank client onboarding process and periodic and triggered reviews, ensuring clients are onboarded within agreed timelines
• Ensure compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations and bank policies on CDD, AML/CTF, PEP and sanctions
• Identify, assess and mitigate ML/TF, PEP, adverse media and sanctions risks during CDD reviews, escalating risks to FCC/Compliance and Business where needed
• Review and approve cases up to high-risk according to the delegation of authority, forwarding very high-risk cases to FCC and Compliance
• Draft and implement CDD SOPs, checklists, forms and the Sanctions Exposure Questionnaire, and support automation of CDD processes
• Conduct annual reviews of CDD, AML/CFT, PEP and sanctions policies, and train KYC teams and frontline staff
• Manage the team, including performance management, holidays and sickness, and coach and guide team members
• Maintain departmental MIS, KYC deferral trackers and PEP trackers, and prepare presentations and dashboards
• Take decisions within the approved KYC authorisation matrix and support change management and digital initiatives

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Management, Banking, Finance, preferably with a certification in Compliance, KYC/AML/CFT, Financial Crime or Risk Management
• At least 8-10 years of experience in a reputable bank, including at least 5 years of technical experience in regulatory and financial crime compliance (FATCA, CRS, GDPR, AML, KYC)
• Certification in Compliance, KYC/AML/CFT, Financial Crime or Risk Management, such as ACAMS or ICA
• Proven ability to prioritise, manage conflicting demands and assess risks

Required skills

• Sound Microsoft Office application knowledge
• Experience in risk management and financial crime compliance