Senior Compliance & AML Lead – CEE Client Onboarding

Vontobel; Zürich; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vontobel is seeking a Senior Compliance Officer to join the Client Lifecycle Compliance Department in Zurich. You will support onboarding and risk-based reviews for Central and Eastern European clients within a risk-aware, compliance-driven environment.

The role requires fluency in English and German, experience in Swiss private banking, and a strong ability to advise Relationship Managers, train the first line, and collaborate with control functions on AML, sanctions, and regulatory risk.

Qualifications

• University degree and compliance related certifications.
• At least 5 years of experience in Swiss private banking covering client onboarding and reviews for Central and Eastern European clients.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Fluent in English and German; knowledge of Russian, Ukrainian or other Slavic languages would be an advantage.
• Affinity for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a willingness to embrace AI-enabled tools and ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Independently handling complex client cases and QA reviews within Lifecycle Compliance CEE.
• Ensure compliance oversight across the full client lifecycle for CEE clients.
• Perform risk-based onboarding due diligence, sanctions screening and adverse media reviews.
• Conduct periodic and event-driven reviews focusing on PEPs, high-risk, sanctions matters.
• Act as Subject Matter Expert for CEE markets, advising first-line and coordinating with control functions.
• Escalate material compliance concerns and prepare briefings for senior management.
• Monitor high-risk transactions ex-ante and conduct internal controls.
• Support governance by presenting cases to committees.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

English & German fluency

KYC & AML knowledge

AI awareness

Education

University degree

Compliance certifications

Job description

Vontobel is seeking a Senior Compliance Officer to join the Client Lifecycle Compliance Department in Zurich. You will support onboarding and risk-based reviews for Central and Eastern European clients within a risk-aware, compliance-driven environment.

The role requires fluency in English and German, experience in Swiss private banking, and a strong ability to advise Relationship Managers, train the first line, and collaborate with control functions on AML, sanctions, and regulatory risk.