Head of Onboarding - ASAP

As Head of Client Onboarding, you will lead the day-to-day operation and continued development of the client onboarding function.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead, manage and develop the client onboarding team, setting clear priorities, service standards and performance expectations.
• Oversee the end-to-end onboarding process, from the initial client application through to account activation.
• Ensure that client files are reviewed and processed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with Swiss AML/KYC requirements, internal policies and the institution's risk appetite.
• Act as the senior point of escalation for complex, sensitive or higher-risk onboarding cases.
• Review cases involving PEPs, complex ownership structures, corporate clients, sanctions exposure or other enhanced due diligence requirements.
• Ensure that complex cases are appropriately documented and escalated to Compliance or senior management when required.
• Manage team capacity, workload allocation, onboarding backlogs and business continuity.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs, turnaround times, quality standards and service-level expectations.
• Identify bottlenecks, control weaknesses and opportunities to improve the client onboarding journey.
• Drive the standardisation, documentation and continuous improvement of onboarding processes, controls and procedures.
• Support the automation and digitalisation of onboarding workflows in collaboration with Technology and operational stakeholders.
• Work closely with Compliance, Legal, Risk, Operations, Technology and commercial teams to resolve onboarding issues and facilitate sound business decisions.
• Maintain a clear distinction between first-line operational responsibilities and second-line Compliance oversight.
• Prepare regular management information and reporting on volumes, turnaround times, risk indicators, pending cases and operational performance.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory reviews and the remediation of identified findings.
• Promote a culture of accountability, client focus, regulatory discipline and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in client onboarding, account opening or KYC operations within a Swiss-regulated banking or financial services environment.

The ideal profile will include:

• At least 3-5 years of relevant experience in client onboarding, KYC, AML operations or account opening within a bank or regulated financial institution.
• Proven experience managing and developing an onboarding, KYC or banking operations team.
• Strong knowledge of the Swiss AML and client due diligence framework, including AMLA, AMLO-FINMA and CDB 20 requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex client structures, beneficial ownership, source of wealth and source of funds information.
• Experience handling higher-risk clients, PEPs, corporate structures and enhanced due diligence cases.
• A clear understanding of the respective responsibilities of the first and second lines of defence.
• Experience managing operational volumes, service levels, backlogs, quality controls and team capacity.
• A strong track record of improving processes, controls and operational efficiency.
• Confidence interacting with senior management, Compliance, Risk, Legal, commercial teams and auditors.
• A hands-on leadership style and the willingness to remain directly involved in sensitive or complex cases.
• Strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to make pragmatic, risk-based decisions.
• The ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, international and highly digital environment.
• Excellent English and strong French language skills.
• A university degree or recognised professional qualification in banking, law, compliance, finance or a related discipline.

• The opportunity to manage and develop a client onboarding team.
• Significant exposure to senior management and key business stakeholders.
• The ability to redesign processes and have a measurable impact on operational performance and client experience.
• A broad role combining complex case oversight, governance and transformation.
• An international working environment within a regulated financial institution.
• Exposure to digital banking, financial markets and technology-driven operating models.
• A hybrid working model.