Job Description

SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.

In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $75,000.00 and $120,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.

The Associate within the Client Management team plays a key role in executing Know Your Customer (KYC) processes in alignment with the Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies. They will be responsible for managing key aspects of the client lifecycle, including client onboarding, periodic KYC reviews, account openings and updates, and enhanced due diligence. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting seamless client experiences and operational efficiency. The role further involves leading specialized projects, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and coordinating client outreach efforts across multiple business units.

Responsible for managing key aspects of the client lifecycle, including client onboarding, periodic KYC reviews, account openings and updates, and enhanced due diligence.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with team members, Compliance Operations, and other internal SMBC stakeholders to ensure effective KYC management and alignment with regulatory standards. This coordination is essential to support the successful execution of client transactions and maintain the integrity of the Bank’s due diligence processes.
• Serve as a key liaison between internal business units by facilitating day-to-day interactions, responding to processing requests and instructions, managing stakeholder expectations, and resolving complex inquiries and issues. Partner with Operations and other support functions to streamline workflows and actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and client service delivery.
• Demonstrate strong expertise in conducting Know Your Customer (KYC) processes for institutional clients, including a thorough understanding of documentation requirements across various account types. Serve as a subject matter expert on KYC policies, procedures, and implementation, ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.
• Ensure effective operational risk management by maintaining strict adherence to compliance policies and regulatory requirements. Support ongoing portfolio maintenance activities as needed, contributing to the integrity and efficiency of client lifecycle management and transaction readiness.
• SMBC’s employees participate in a hybrid workforce model that provides employees with an opportunity to work from home, as well as, from an SMBC office. SMBC requires that employees live within a reasonable commuting distance of their office location.

Qualifications and Skills

• A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in a corporate bank or relevant financial institution.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or equivalent work experience. Formal credit training a plus.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel; Access proficiency a plus.
• Strong leadership skills to spearhead various projects within required timeframe, by identifying necessary steps and potential challenges throughout the process.
• Able to quickly learn and adapt to internal policies, processes, grading and other systems. Able to work well in a culturally diverse and team oriented environment. Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and an interest in continuous learning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to present effectively.
• Have the ability to operate independently and in teams and maintain a high level of trust and confidence by senior line and risk management.
• Demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail and an ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner against strict deadlines.
• Self-driven and motivated; takes personal ownership of specific assignments. Able to raise concerns and/or consult with senior members as appropriate.
• Encourages and inspires self and others to continuously seek opportunities for new, novel and innovative ways to solve organizational problems, create value and realize opportunities.
• Creates and nurtures an open, energizing and high performance culture.

Additional Requirements

SMBC’s employees participate in a Hybrid workforce model that provides employees with an opportunity to work from home, as well as, from an SMBC office. SMBC requires that employees live within a reasonable commuting distance of their office location. Prospective candidates will learn more about their specific hybrid work schedule during their interview process. Hybrid work may not be permitted for certain roles, including, for example, certain FINRA-registered roles for which in-office attendance for the entire workweek is required.

SMBC provides reasonable accommodations during candidacy for applicants with disabilities consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let us know at accommodations@smbcgroup.com.