EMEA Wholesale KYC Operations Policy – Executive Director (all genders)

Join our dynamic EMEA Wholesale KYC Operations Policy and Program Support Team in Frankfurt and make a real impact on the firm’s growth and resilience. We value innovative thinkers who challenge the status quo and strive for excellence in a collaborative environment.

As an Executive Director within our EMEA Wholesale KYC Operations (WKO) Policy and Program Support Team, you will lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of KYC policies and standards across our European operations. You’ll play a pivotal role in supporting client coverage and ensuring AML/KYC compliance for onboarding and renewals, working closely with internal teams and external regulators. Your leadership will be essential in building strong stakeholder relationships and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Reporting to the Global Head of WKO Policy and Policy Program Support, you’ll help shape the future of our EMEA policy strategy.

Job responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the WKO’s KYC policies and procedures, ensuring they are aligned with EU directives, firmwide policy and national regulations across all relevant European jurisdictions.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including European regulators, internal business leaders, and colleagues in the Second Line of Defence (2LOD) Compliance, Risk and Legal teams across various European countries. You will serve as a liaison between the business and regulatory bodies, translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable business guidance.
• Lead the policy governance framework for our European operations. This includes establishing regular review cycles, managing policy exceptions, and providing consistent reporting to senior management on the status of our KYC policies and associated risks in the region. Continuously evaluating and proactively identifying any gaps in the KYC onboarding and renewal processes, developing strategies to proactively prevent control gaps and adverse audit results.
• Act as the primary advisor on KYC policy matters for our European business lines. You will be responsible for developing and delivering training programs to ensure all relevant staff, from front-line employees to senior leaders, understand their responsibilities under our KYC policies.
• Proactively monitor and interpret changes in European AML/KYC regulations and guidance. You will assess the impact of these changes on our policies and operations, and work with relevant teams to implement necessary updates in a timely and effective manner.

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills

• Extensive experience in financial services, with a significant focus on AML/KYC, financial crime or regulatory compliance.
• Prior experience in a policymaking or policy-advisory role is required.
• Deep knowledge of European AML/KYC regulations. Solid experience of working within the European regulatory landscape is essential.
• Proven experience leading teams and influencing stakeholders at an executive level within a complex, multinational organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic approach to balancing risk and business objectives.

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills

• Proficiency in German and other major European languages is desirable.