Head of Onboarding - ASAP

Our client is a Geneva-based, FINMA-regulated financial institution and part of an established international financial services group.brbrOperating at the intersection of banking, technology and financial markets, the organisation offers a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment, supported by strong governance and regulatory standards.brbrAs the business continues to develop its Swiss activities and operational capabilities, it is looking for a senior onboarding professional able to combine leadership, regulatory rigour and operational execution.brbrThis opportunity will appeal to someone seeking visible responsibility, direct exposure to senior stakeholders and the ability to improve a critical part of the client journey.brAs Head of Client Onboarding, you will lead the day-to-day operation and continued development of the client onboarding function.brbrYour responsibilities will include:brbrLead, manage and develop the client onboarding team, setting clear priorities, service standards and performance expectations.brOversee the end-to-end onboarding process, from the initial client application through to account activation.brEnsure 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.brAct as the senior point of escalation for complex, sensitive or higher-risk onboarding cases.brReview cases involving PEPs, complex ownership structures, corporate clients, sanctions exposure or other enhanced due diligence requirements.brEnsure that complex cases are appropriately documented and escalated to Compliance or senior management when required.brManage team capacity, workload allocation, onboarding backlogs and business continuity.brEstablish and monitor operational KPIs, turnaround times, quality standards and service-level expectations.brIdentify bottlenecks, control weaknesses and opportunities to improve the client onboarding journey.brDrive the standardisation, documentation and continuous improvement of onboarding processes, controls and procedures.brSupport the automation and digitalisation of onboarding workflows in collaboration with Technology and operational stakeholders.brWork closely with Compliance, Legal, Risk, Operations, Technology and commercial teams to resolve onboarding issues and facilitate sound business decisions.brMaintain a clear distinction between first-line operational responsibilities and second-line Compliance oversight.brPrepare regular management information and reporting on volumes, turnaround times, risk indicators, pending cases and operational performance.brSupport internal and external audits, regulatory reviews and the remediation of identified findings.brPromote a culture of accountability, client focus, regulatory discipline and continuous improvement.brbrLead and reshape a critical client onboarding functionbrCombine team leadership, complex KYC decision-making and process transformationbrThe successful candidate will bring extensive experience in client onboarding, account opening or KYC operations within a Swiss-regulated banking or financial services environment.brbrThe ideal profile will include:brbrAt least 3-5 years of relevant experience in client onboarding, KYC, AML operations or account opening within a bank or regulated financial institution.brProven experience managing and developing an onboarding, KYC or banking operations team.brStrong knowledge of the Swiss AML and client due diligence framework, including AMLA, AMLO-FINMA and CDB 20 requirements.brDemonstrated ability to assess complex client structures, beneficial ownership, source of wealth and source of funds information.brExperience handling higher-risk clients, PEPs, corporate structures and enhanced due diligence cases.brA clear understanding of the respective responsibilities of the first and second lines of defence.brExperience managing operational volumes, service levels, backlogs, quality controls and team capacity.brA strong track record of improving processes, controls and operational efficiency.brConfidence interacting with senior management, Compliance, Risk, Legal, commercial teams and auditors.brA hands-on leadership style and the willingness to remain directly involved in sensitive or complex cases.brStrong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to make pragmatic, risk-based decisions.brThe ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, international and highly digital environment.brExcellent English and strong French language skills.brA university degree or recognised professional qualification in banking, law, compliance, finance or a related discipline.brThe opportunity to manage and develop a client onboarding team.brSignificant exposure to senior management and key business stakeholders.brThe ability to redesign processes and have a measurable impact on operational performance and client experience.brA broad role combining complex case oversight, governance and transformation.brAn international working environment within a regulated financial institution.brExposure to digital banking, financial markets and technology-driven operating models.brA hybrid working model.brbrbr...