KYC/AML Manager

Grant Thornton; Makati; On-site; PHP 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Thornton Philippines is seeking an experienced AML/KYC Leader to helm the team in Makati. You will oversee the end-to-end AML/KYC processes for client on-boarding and ongoing reviews, ensuring regulatory compliance and timely deliverables.

You will drive high-risk due diligence, PEP/sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and reporting, while mentoring staff and implementing process improvements.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in AML compliance, focusing on periodic reviews, EDD, monitoring, and screening.
• Knowledge of AML/KYC regulations, FATF guidance, and global standards.
• Experience with high-risk client identification including PEP, sanctions, and negative media.

Responsibilities

• Lead AML/KYC team to ensure timely assessments and reviews.
• Oversee documentation tracking for investor accounts and promoters.
• Manage high-risk due diligence processes (EDD).
• Oversee PEP, sanctions, and negative media screening.
• Monitor transactions for suspicious activity and investigations.
• Supervise AML inquiries resolution with clients/investors.
• Direct AML reporting and analysis to clients within deadlines.
• Ensure procedures stay compliant with AML/KYC rules.
• Support AML audits and regulatory examinations.
• Drive process improvements for efficiency and risk controls.
• Develop and deliver training to team members.

Skills

AML/KYC expertise

Team leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

ACAMS certification

Job description

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Oversight: Lead and manage the AML/KYC team to ensure efficient processing of AML/KYC assessments and reviews related to account openings and maintenance, provide subject matter expertise in assessing the risk of complex client structures, beneficial ownership, and other high-risk factors, and meet established deadlines.


• Documentation & Compliance Management: Oversee the tracking and management of pending AML/KYC documentation for investor accounts and fund promoters, ensuring all documentation is provided on time and meets regulatory standards.


• High-Risk Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Manage/ support the EDD process for high-risk clients, investors, and counterparties, ensuring all risk factors are appropriately assessed and mitigated.


• PEP, Sanction, and Negative Media Screening: Ensure screening for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), sanctions lists, and negative media, and actioning screening results.


• Transaction Monitoring: monitoring financial transactions for suspicious or unusual activity, and investigations into flagged transactions.


• Query Management: Supervise the resolution of AML-related inquiries from clients and investors, ensuring responses are timely, accurate, and in line with compliance requirements.


• Reporting & Analysis: Direct the preparation, review, and maintenance of AML reports, ensuring they are accurate and delivered to clients and investors within the required timeframes.


• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that team procedures are continuously updated to stay in line with the latest AML/KYC regulations, financial crime prevention policies, and client-specific requirements.


• Audit & Review Support: Lead the preparation and participation in AML reviews and audits, ensuring that all regulatory and client requirements are met and providing support throughout the audit process.


• Process Improvement: Drive initiatives to improve team processes, enhance efficiency, and maintain high standards of compliance and risk management.


• Training: Participate in developing training material and provide training to team members within the department (including new hires).

Desired Skills:

• Extensive AML Knowledge: In-depth understanding of AML regulations, laws, and industry best practices, both locally and internationally.


• Management Experience: Proven experience in managing or leading teams within compliance, AML, or a related field, with a focus on process optimization and staff development.


• Regulatory Expertise: Strong familiarity with AML/KYC compliance requirements, financial crime prevention practices, and how they apply to transfer agency operations.


• Collaboration & Leadership: Ability to work cross-functionally with various departments and lead a team effectively, fostering a cooperative and compliance-driven environment.


• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, proactive, with excellent time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills:

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to manage and engage various stakeholders at all levels.


• Strong decision-making capabilities and the ability to drive change within a compliance framework.


• Ability to mentor and guide team members while managing performance and professional development.


• A proactive approach to problem-solving and driving continuous improvement in compliance operations.

Experience/Qualification

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in AML regulatory compliance, with a specific focus on AML periodic reviews, enhanced due diligence (EDD), transaction monitoring, and screening. .


• In-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape affecting the funds sector, including AML/KYC regulations, FATF recommendations, and other relevant global regulations.


• Strong experience with high-risk client identification and management, including PEP, sanction, and negative media screening.

Qualifications/ Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, law, accounting, finance or a related field (preferred).


• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS) is highly desirable.