KYC Operations Manager (UAE Nationals Only)

Citi; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,301 - 149,759; Full time

Job summary

Citi is seeking a KYC Operations Manager to lead a team in the UAE, directing AML monitoring, governance and regulatory reporting in coordination with Compliance and Control. The role focuses on developing and managing a dedicated internal KYC program and ensuring SLA-driven performance.

Key responsibilities include managing KYC operations, BAU and Refresh migrations, people leadership, and effective stakeholder engagement to support risk management and regulatory priorities.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in KYC/AML operations or related area.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage KYC operations, including governance and regulatory reporting.
• Oversee BAU and Refresh processes, driving migration into the global operating model.
• Provide people leadership, performance management, coaching, and development.
• Act as liaison between Compliance, Business and Senior Management on regulatory requirements.
• Oversee client onboarding and process improvements to enhance efficiency and controls.
• Deliver MIS reporting to senior management with insights on performance and risk.

Skills

Leadership

KYC knowledge

AML awareness

Regulatory reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

KYC Operations Manager (UAE Nationals Only)

Job Overview

The KYC Operations Manager is an intermediate management-level position responsible for providing full leadership and direction to a team of employees to provide Anti-Money Laundering (AML) monitoring, governance, oversight and regulatory reporting services in coordination with the Compliance and Control team. The overall objective of this role is to ensure the development and management of a dedicated internal KYC (Know Your Client) program at Citi.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead KYC operations, including executing processes in accordance with Citi compliance policies and overseeing the KYC control environment
• Lead and oversee the program management of existing KYC Business-as-Usual (BAU) and Refresh processes, while driving the migration and integration of additional functions into the global operating model.
• Provide effective people leadership, including performance management, coaching, and development of team members, while ensuring all service level agreements (SLAs) and operational standards are consistently met.
• Serve as a key liaison between Compliance, Business, and Senior Management stakeholders, ensuring alignment on regulatory requirements, risk management priorities, and operational objectives.
• Oversee new client onboarding activities and drive process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, strengthening controls, and improving the overall client onboarding experience.
• Deliver accurate and timely Management Information System (MIS) reporting to senior management, providing insights into performance, risks, and key metrics, while ensuring delivery against BAU and Refresh Program targets.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and control standards, while proactively identifying and mitigating operational, compliance, and reputational risks.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous process optimization, stakeholder engagement, and implementation of strategic initiatives supporting the firm's KYC and client lifecycle management objectives.
• Monitor account refresh activities on a daily basis to ensure all regulatory, compliance, and documentation requirements are completed within established timelines.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of new client onboarding and periodic refresh cases, ensuring adherence to Citi policies, regulatory requirements, and established quality standards prior to case closure.
• Maintain and manage the Book of Work for system releases, process enhancements, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring successful implementation and stakeholder alignment.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate effectively with limited direct supervision, exercising sound judgment, initiative, and accountability in day-to-day decision-making.
• Exercise a high degree of independence, judgment, and autonomy in managing complex cases, operational issues, and stakeholder interactions.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing guidance, training, and support to senior stakeholders and team members on KYC, regulatory, and operational matters.
• Lead and manage teams effectively by fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Proactively identify, assess, and manage risks associated with client onboarding, account maintenance, and KYC processes, ensuring appropriate escalation and resolution of issues.
• Safeguard Citi, its clients, and assets by ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and control requirements, while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical behavior.
• Promote a strong risk and control culture by transparently escalating, managing, and reporting control issues, ensuring effective oversight of team activities and accountability for maintaining established standards.
• Partner with key stakeholders across Compliance, AML, Operations, and Business teams to drive regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure delivery of team objectives, quality metrics, productivity targets, and service level agreements while supporting strategic business and regulatory priorities.

Qualifications:

• 5-8 years of experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree/University degree or equivalent experience

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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