Head – Process and Quality (AML/KYC) Specialist

UBS AG; Singapore; On-site; SGD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider is seeking a Head of PQS for Singapore. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership in risk and compliance, overseeing a diverse team to enhance operational efficiency and ensure robust KYC/AML processes across regions. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in Wealth Management and a strong understanding of regulatory environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Wealth Management, with at least 5 in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in managing large teams and driving initiatives.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in an additional Asian language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the PQS function for Singapore, ensuring strategic alignment with front office priorities.
• Champion process improvements and digital transformation within the PQS function.
• Oversee KYC/AML processes and coordinate escalations with Legal and Compliance stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Communication

KYC/AML Knowledge

Risk Management

Job description

Your role :

Are you a strategic leader with proven management capabilities in leading and managing a team of 40 professionals? Do you have an affinity for risk, KYC and AML topics and have the ability to shape and drive the culture of large and diverse teams of professionals. As the Head of PQS for Singapore, you will lead the location PQS function, ensuring strategic alignment with front office priorities through reporting to the senior FO leadership. You will oversee a team of PQSSector Leads and members, driving operational consistency, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across diversemarkets. This role is pivotal in embedding a strong risk culture, enforcing the PQS service catalog, and ensuring accountability and oversight across the region.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements

• Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Reporting to FO senior leadership to ensure PQS strategy aligns with broader front office goals and governance frameworks.

• Represent PQS in senior leadership forums, cross-functional initiatives, and regulatory discussions.

• Drive the implementation and enforcement of the PQS service catalog across all sectors.

• Operational Oversight & Efficiency

• Centralize PQS reporting and coordination to reduce inefficiencies across diverse markets.

• Ensure uniformity in task execution, documentation standards, and process adherence across all desks and sectors.

• Oversee the PQS Coordinator’s role in managing cross-sector initiatives and quality assurance.

• Champion process improvements and digital transformation initiatives within the PQS function to ensure sustainability and scalability of the processes.

• People Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a team of Sector Leads and Desk PQS members, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Provide coaching, performance management, and succession planning for the PQS function.

• Promote best practice sharing and continuous learning across the region.

• Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure robust oversight of KYC/AML processes, including Source of Wealth corroboration, periodic reviews, and related remediation for the front office.

• Coordinate escalations with Legal, Compliance, and Risk stakeholders.

• Monitor and review PQS reports, operational incidents, and sector-level clean-ups.

Client Centricity & Collaboration

Ensure structured and proactive engagement of MTH/CAs to elevate knowledge of KYC/AML requirements, improving rate of first time right.

Your team :

You’ll lead the PQS function for Singapore, overseeing Sector Heads and Desk PQS teams across the location. Your team plays a vital role in ensuring compliant and efficient client lifecycle management, with a strong focus on KYC and AML standards.

Your expertise :

We are looking for a highly motivated team player with the following qualities and skills:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Wealth Management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within risk, compliance, or front office governance.

• Proven track record in managing large teams and driving cross-functional initiatives.

• Strong understanding of KYC/AML regulations, front-to-back processes, and risk frameworks.

• Strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

• Experience working across diverse markets in Asia and navigating complex regulatory environments.

• Fluent in English; proficiency in an additional Asian language is a plus.