Team Leader- KYC & ODD

OverviewDescription: Role: Team Leader- KYC & ODDLocation: SharjahRole Purpose: To lead and manage the KYC and Ongoing Due Diligence (ODD) teams ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies and industry best practices. The role involves overseeing KYC onboarding, periodic reviews and ODD processes, driving operational excellence and mitigating financial crime risks.KYC ResponsibilitiesOversee end-to-end KYC processes for onboarding new customers and periodic reviews for existing customers.Ensure accurate verification of customer identity, beneficial ownership and source of funds in line with regulatory standards.Monitor adherence to AML/CFT regulations and internal KYC policies.Review and approve escalated cases, ensuring timely resolution of exceptions.Liaise with Compliance and Risk teams to address regulatory queries and audits.Implement quality control checks and continuous improvement initiatives for KYC processes.Train and mentor team members on KYC standards and regulatory updates.ODD ResponsibilitiesManage Ongoing Due Diligence reviews for all risk categories (High, Medium, Low) across Business Banking.Lead Supervisors, Checkers and Makers, ensuring productivity and compliance with SOPs.Develop and monitor KPIs for ODD teams; conduct mid-year and annual appraisals.Prepare and review ODD-related SOPs, policies, SLAs and memos for compliance alignment.Ensure timely reporting to senior management and regulatory bodies.Oversee risk identification and control implementation for ODD processes.Coordinate with Quality & Control teams for RCSA, KRI and control testing.Manage customer exit and exemption processes in line with approved guidelines.Drive automation and process optimization initiatives for ODD.General LeadershipEnsure resource planning and effective utilization across KYC and ODD teams.Provide strategic input for compliance projects and regulatory changes.Foster a culture of integrity, accountability and continuous improvement.Any other tasks assigned by Line Manager.Authorized to approve KYC escalations, ODD exceptions and resource allocation within team.Ensure regulatory compliance and implement process improvements.Specialist Skills / Technical KnowledgeProfessional certification in Compliance, AML or Fraud (preferred).In-depth knowledge of KYC and ODD regulations.Familiarity with banking products and services.Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.Experience with compliance systems and workflow tools.#J-18808-Ljbffr