Regional KYC Operations Manager – APAC

Recruit-Avenue; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruit-Avenue seeks an experienced Regional KYC Operations Manager to lead a regional Client Due Diligence function within a leading international financial institution. The role will oversee KYC operations across APAC markets, ensuring high-quality client onboarding and periodic review delivery while maintaining governance, risk and control standards.

The position requires 12+ years in financial services with strong exposure to KYC/AML, PEPs and complex ownership structures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience within financial services, with strong exposure to KYC, AML, Client Due Diligence or related operations.
• Proven experience managing and developing KYC/AML teams.
• Strong understanding of KYC, AML, PEPs, adverse media, beneficial ownership and complex corporate structures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee KYC Operations & Delivery across APAC markets, ensuring high-quality onboarding and periodic review.
• Partner with Front Office, Compliance and other operational teams to facilitate document collection and resolve KYC issues.
• Provide senior management with data-driven updates on performance, risks and issues.
• Lead or support process improvement, technology implementation and UAT in KYC environments.
• Manage teams across locations and support effective remote working arrangements.

Skills

KYC knowledge

AML experience

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or related

Job description

Regional KYC Operations Manager – APAC

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Regional KYC Operations Manager to lead a regional Client Due Diligence function within a leading international financial institution.

The role will oversee KYC operations across multiple markets, ensuring high-quality client onboarding and periodic review delivery while maintaining strong governance, risk and control standards.

Key Responsibilities

KYC Operations & Delivery

• Take ownership of the team's workflow and overall book of work from allocation through completion.
• Drive productivity, capacity planning and service delivery while maintaining high quality and control standards.
• Oversee KYC due diligence activities in line with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of client data and management information.
• Work closely with regional and global teams to ensure consistent and timely delivery.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with Front Office, Compliance and other operational teams to facilitate document collection and resolve KYC issues.
• Act as an escalation point for complex client due diligence matters.
• Provide senior management with clear, data-driven updates on performance, operational risks and key issues.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and ensure the KYC function provides responsive, business-focused support.

Governance, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure KYC activities comply with applicable policies, procedures and control standards.
• Provide guidance on complex cases involving PEPs, adverse media, ownership structures and other enhanced due diligence matters.
• Escalate material or high-risk issues appropriately to Compliance and relevant global teams.
• Maintain a strong focus on operational risk, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Continuous Improvement & Transformation

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, productivity and service quality.
• Lead or support KYC-related process improvement, technology implementation and UAT initiatives.
• Contribute to regional and global transformation projects.
• Use data and workflow tools to identify trends, bottlenecks and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Drive initiatives that enhance efficiency while strengthening controls and stakeholder experience.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead and develop a sizeable team of KYC professionals.
• Establish clear objectives, performance expectations and development plans.
• Coach and mentor team members and build a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Manage teams across different locations and support effective remote working arrangements.
• Develop talent and strengthen the team's technical and operational capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience within financial services, with strong exposure to KYC, AML, Client Due Diligence or related operations.
• Proven experience managing and developing KYC/AML teams.
• Strong understanding of KYC, AML, PEPs, adverse media, beneficial ownership and complex corporate structures.
• Experience working with regional or multi-location teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage Front Office, Compliance and senior management.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement, operational transformation or technology implementation within a KYC environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.