Job Description

Role : Team Leader- KYC & ODD
Location : Sharjah

Role 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.

Key Accountabilities of the role

KYC Responsibilities:

• Oversee 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 Responsibilities:

• Manage 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 Leadership:

• Ensure 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.
• ensuring regulatory compliance and implementing process improvements.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:

Professional 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