KYC Specialist

SpaceXAI; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Discounts and perks

Job summary

SpaceXAI is seeking an experienced KYC professional to lead the UK KYC program within our Compliance team. You will blend hands-on operational KYC delivery with program design and continuous improvement, collaborating with the Global KYC Program Lead to align UK requirements with global standards.

You will support UK-specific needs, manage case handling and escalations, and help translate regulatory requirements into practical program elements, while contributing to global initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years direct experience in KYC, CDD/EDD, or financial crime compliance within a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory requirements relating to KYC/AML (FCA expectations and legislation).
• Experience contributing to KYC program design, framework development, or process improvement initiatives.
• Solid hands-on operational KYC experience with ability to support program-level work.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and practical approach to controls.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a global program structure.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the definition, design, and ongoing development of the UK KYC program, aligning with global standards and UK regulatory expectations.
• Deliver day-to-day KYC operational activities, including case handling, escalations, quality assurance, and process adherence.
• Identify gaps in the current UK KYC framework and support enhancements to policies, procedures, controls, and workflows.
• Partner with Compliance, Legal, Operations, and business stakeholders to translate regulatory requirements into practical program elements.
• Support the development of program documentation, training materials, and internal guidance to embed consistent KYC standards across the UK.
• Monitor relevant UK regulatory developments and assess their potential impact on the KYC program.
• Contribute to global KYC initiatives while ensuring UK-specific needs are represented.
• Act as a subject-matter resource and point of escalation for complex KYC matters.
• Track and report on operational performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to the Global KYC Program Lead.

Skills

KYC

CDD/EDD

Financial crime compliance

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Independent work

Education

ACAMS

Job description

SpaceXAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company's mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are looking for an experienced KYC professional to play a key role in defining and embedding the UK KYC program within our Compliance team. This position combines hands-on operational delivery with the opportunity to contribute to program design, standards, and continuous improvement. Working closely with the Global KYC Program Lead, you will support UK-specific requirements while ensuring regulatory alignment and strong operational execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to the definition, design, and ongoing development of the UK KYC program, ensuring alignment with global standards and UK regulatory expectations.
• Deliver day-to-day KYC operational activities, including case handling, escalations, quality assurance, and process adherence.
• Identify gaps in the current UK KYC framework and support enhancements to policies, procedures, controls, and workflows.
• Partner with Compliance, Legal, Operations, and business stakeholders to help translate regulatory requirements into practical program elements.
• Support the development of program documentation, training materials, and internal guidance to embed consistent KYC standards across the UK.
• Monitor relevant UK regulatory developments and assess their potential impact on the KYC program.
• Contribute to global KYC initiatives while ensuring UK-specific needs are represented.
• Act as a subject-matter resource and point of escalation for complex KYC matters.
• Track and report on operational performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to the Global KYC Program Lead.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 5 years of direct experience in KYC, CDD/EDD, or financial crime compliance within a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory requirements relating to KYC/AML (including FCA expectations and relevant legislation).
• Experience contributing to KYC program design, framework development, or process improvement initiatives.
• Solid hands-on operational KYC experience with the ability to step up and support program-level work.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and a practical approach to operational and control issues.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a global program structure.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in a second-line Compliance or Financial Crime function.
• Prior involvement in enhancing or supporting KYC programs across jurisdictions.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, or equivalent).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at xAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.