KYC Officer II

General Function

Responsible for conducting and overseeing Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence activities for prospective and existing customers throughout the lifecycle of the banking relationship. Evaluates customer risk and determines whether relationships align with the Bank’s risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. Manages customer onboarding activities, including the collection, review, validation, and processing of required customer documentation to support account opening and ongoing due diligence requirements.

Demonstrates sound risk management practices by openly communicating concerns, adhering to established policies and procedures, and promoting a strong risk culture.

Accountable for delivering an exceptional customer experience while consistently identifying, assessing, monitoring, managing, and escalating risks in accordance with the Bank’s risk appetite and risk management framework.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, Lines of Business (LOB), and Financial Crimes Compliance regarding onboarding, customer documentation, and KYC/AML/Client Risk Assessment requirements.

• Partner with LOB teams and clients to conduct enhanced due diligence, periodic reviews, and ongoing monitoring activities, including reviews of high-risk relationships.

• Analyze and approve customer risk profiles, determine alignment with the Bank’s risk appetite, and escalate concerns to leadership as appropriate.

• Independently manage and complete onboarding activities while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of assigned customer relationships and associated risks.

• Evaluate risk mitigation measures and provide feedback to Client Risk Management regarding risk gaps, emerging concerns, and opportunities for process improvement.

• Collaborate with first-line business partners to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen controls, improve the customer experience, and ensure compliance with banking regulations.

• Serve as a subject matter expert on customer risk and due diligence requirements for supported business lines.

• Deliver a customer-centric onboarding experience through proactive communication and timely issue resolution.

• Partner with second-line risk and compliance teams to promote effective risk management and maintain an ongoing understanding of client ownership, activity, and risk profiles.

• Support the remediation of Internal Audit, Compliance, Risk Management, and regulatory findings.

• Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and provide timely, accurate, and effective responses to requests and inquiries.

• Perform due diligence reviews of legal matters and other complex issues that may impact the client's risk profile or the organization.

• Participate in root cause analysis activities and support the development and implementation of corrective action plans.

• Communicate effectively with customers, business line partners, senior leadership, risk functions, and support teams regarding onboarding activities and associated risks.

• Identify, assess, and resolve customer risk issues throughout the onboarding process and client lifecycle with minimal supervision.

• Escalate concerns involving potential money laundering, fraud, terrorist financing, or other suspicious activity to Financial Crimes Compliance.

• Maintain a strong understanding of applicable regulatory requirements, including Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Know Your Customer (KYC), Beneficial Ownership, Customer Identification Program (CIP), BSA/AML, OFAC, and related regulatory obligations.

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May provide leadership, coaching, oversight, and performance management for direct reports, as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; Juris Doctor (JD) degree or CAMS certification preferred.

• Five or more years of experience in compliance, financial crimes investigations, legal, paralegal, risk management, or related fields preferred.

• Two or more years of cusotmer onboarding, customer due diligence, or related banking experience preferred.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Working knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC requirements, and related regulatory frameworks preferred.

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Acrobat.

• Ability to analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and make risk-based decisions with minimal supervision.

The duties and responsibilities described above are considered essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions. This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform additional job-related duties as assigned.