Senior Client Onboarding Specialist

Capital Edge Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in Cape Town seeks a Senior Client Onboarding Specialist to manage the onboarding process for institutional clients. This role requires expertise in compliance and client relationship management, ensuring adherence to AML and KYC regulations. Candidates should have a relevant tertiary qualification and significant experience in client service, compliance operations, and supporting audits. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM platforms are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years’ experience in client services or operational roles within financial services.
• 3–5 years’ experience in institutional client onboarding, AML/KYC operations or compliance.
• Proven experience conducting AML/KYC checks, EDD and risk-based assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end onboarding and transition of institutional clients.
• Manage AML/KYC/FICA due diligence, risk assessments and regulatory verification.
• Act as the main point of contact for onboarding-related client queries.

Skills

Client relationship management

Regulatory compliance

AML/KYC operations

Process improvement

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. BCom, Finance, Investment, Accounting)

Postgraduate qualifications or certifications in Compliance, Risk Management

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint)

AML/KYC screening tools

CRM platforms

Power BI

Job description

Senior Client Onboarding Specialist required in Cape Town.

The Senior Client Onboarding Specialist plays a key role in delivering an exceptional institutional client experience by combining client relationship management with expert onboarding and regulatory compliance.

This role acts as the primary point of contact for operational and service-related matters and leads institutional onboarding activities from initial engagement through to portfolio setup, ensuring full compliance with AML, KYC and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end onboarding and transition of institutional clients
• Manage AML/KYC/FICA due diligence, risk assessments and regulatory verification
• Act as the main point of contact for onboarding-related client queries
• Maintain accurate client data across CRM and case management systems
• Coordinate onboarding activities across internal teams and stakeholders
• Support client meetings, reporting, audits and regulatory reviews
• Manage KYC refresh cycles, remediation initiatives and compliance audits
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and client experience

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. BCom, Finance, Investment, Accounting)
• Postgraduate qualifications or certifications in Compliance, Risk Management, AML or Financial Crime Prevention (advantageous)
• 5–7 years’ experience in client services or operational roles within financial services
• 3–5 years’ experience in institutional client onboarding, AML/KYC operations or compliance
• Proven experience conducting AML/KYC checks, EDD and risk-based assessments
• Strong knowledge of AML, KYC, FICA, FATCA and relevant regulatory frameworks
• Experience supporting audits, KYC remediation and onboarding projects
• Solid understanding of asset management and institutional investment structures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Experience with AML/KYC screening tools and onboarding or workflow systems
• Exposure to CRM platforms and reporting tools such as Power BI (advantageous)