VP, Client Due Diligence Group, Periodic Review Lead

sumitomo mitsui banking corporation singapore branch; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch is seeking an experienced KYC Lead to manage a team conducting Periodic Reviews for Financial Institution clients. You will drive quality, efficiency, and strict adherence to regulatory timelines while mentoring staff.

In this role, you will oversee risk assessments, collaborate with Compliance, Front Office, Internal Audit, and Regulators, and contribute to ongoing process improvements and platform enhancements to strengthen AML/CFT controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Banking, Finance, or related field.
• 8–12 years AML/KYC and financial crime experience.
• 3–5 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience with high-risk FI and correspondent banking reviews.
• Strong knowledge of MAS Notice 626 and AML/CFT regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a KYC/Periodic Review team against KPIs and timelines.
• Oversee end-to-end Periodic Reviews for FI customers.
• Assess AML/KYC risk ratings and rationales.
• Coordinate with Front Office, Compliance, Internal Audit, and Regulators.
• Drive process improvements, automation, and reporting.
• Maintain compliant, auditable KYC documentation.
• Support change initiatives and platform implementations.

Skills

Team leadership

KYC/AML

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Banking/Finance/Accounting/Business/Economics/Law

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead and manage a team of KYC analysts performing Periodic Reviews for Financial Institution customers.
• Drive productivity, quality, and service delivery against established KPIs and turnaround time requirements.
• Conduct coaching, mentoring, and performance development of team members.
• Support succession planning, training, and capability development within the team.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

KYC Periodic Review Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end execution of Periodic Reviews for FI customers (including Commercial banks,Investment banks, Central banks, Securities firms, Asset managers, Fund managers, Insurance companies,Other regulated financial institutions)
• Ensure reviews are completed accurately and within regulatory timelines.
• Validate customer information, ownership structures, authorized signatories, business activities, and risk factors.
• Review complex ownership structures and high-risk customer relationships.

AML Risk Assessment

• Assess and approve AML/KYC risk ratings and risk assessment rationales.
• Review and elevate material AML, sanctions, PEP, adverse media, and reputational risk issues.
• Ensure risk assessments appropriately reflect customer profile changes and emerging risks.
• Support preparation and review of risk assessment memoranda and exceptional handling requests

Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary liaison between:
• Financial Institution business teams (GFIG, GTFD, GMTAP)
• CPDAP / AML Compliance
• Screening Team
• CDD Control Group
• Internal Audit and regulators
• Partner with Front Office teams to resolve information gaps and expedite customer outreach.
• Provide advisory support on KYC and due diligence requirements.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
• MAS Notice 626
• SMBC AML/CFT policies
• Internal KYC procedures and standards
• Drive remediation of audit findings, QA observations, and regulatory issues.
• Perform quality reviews and establish controls to improve consistency and reduce operational risk.
• Maintain complete and auditable documentation supporting KYC reviews.

Operational Management & Reporting

• Monitor review pipelines, portfolio status, and aging cases.
• Manage resource allocation and workload balancing.
• Produce periodic management reports and dashboard updates.
• Track key risk metrics, productivity indicators, SLA adherence, and backlog positions.
• Lead initiatives to improve automation, reporting, and workflow efficiency.

Change & Transformation

• Support implementation of new KYC platforms, workflow enhancements, and digitization initiatives.
• Participate in regulatory change projects and policy updates.
• Identify opportunities to improve review methodology, customer experience, and operational effectiveness.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Banking, Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, Law, or related discipline.
• Minimum 8–12 years of experience in AML/KYC, Financial Crime Compliance, CDD, or related functions within banking.
• At least 3–5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong experience conducting reviews of Financial Institution customers and correspondent banking relationships.
• Experience interacting with business teams, compliance, auditors, and regulators.
• Strong understanding of AML/CFT regulations, MAS Notice 626, Correspondent Banking due diligence, Customer Risk Rating methodologies, Sanctions, PEP, and adverse media reviews, Beneficial ownership analysis, Financial Institutions business models and products.
• Preferred Certifications (ACAMS/ ICA Diploma / Advanced Certificate/ CAMS-Audit or equivalent compliance qualification).