We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team in a pivotal capacity. This position entails collaborating with cross-functional departments to drive strategic initiatives and ensure seamless project execution. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in industry-specific tools. Responsibilities include managing stakeholder relationships, overseeing daily operations, and identifying opportunities for process optimization. Additionally, the role demands excellent communication abilities, adaptability in fast-paced environments, and a commitment to delivering measurable results.
The Lead, Merchant KYC Support oversees the strategic and operational execution of Know Your Customer (KYC) initiatives across the organization. This encompasses leadership of a team of KYC Support Officers, administration of merchant onboarding procedures, enforcement of regulatory compliance standards, and maintenance of rigorous customer due diligence protocols.
The position demands expertise in Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, risk evaluation methodologies, and regulatory compliance frameworks, coupled with the capacity to align diverse teams in sustaining a robust risk management strategy and mitigating financial crime risks.
Core Responsibilities
Deliver strategic leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day supervision to the KYC Support team, guaranteeing the prompt and precise fulfillment of onboarding and periodic review responsibilities.
Conduct thorough reviews of high-risk client files and associated risk assessments, elevating intricate cases and recommendations to senior management for final authorization and decision-making.
Responsible for leading and enhancing due diligence workflows, document validation procedures, and risk classification frameworks on an ongoing basis.
Execute periodic, trigger-based, and event-driven client reviews promptly and in strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
Maintain precise data integrity and meticulous record keeping for all KYC-related documentation and audit trails.
Serve as a primary contact for internal stakeholders in addressing and resolving KYC documentation or onboarding-related issues.
Collaborate seamlessly with the Compliance, Risk, Data & Document Management, and Customer Success teams to synchronize KYC support with existing risk frameworks.
Monitor regulatory developments and revisions in KYC standards, advising on necessary adjustments to internal protocols to ensure ongoing compliance.
Facilitate the creation and implementation of KYC-focused training initiatives for the team and key cross-functional stakeholders.
Prepare periodic performance and risk exposure reports to aid management in making informed decisions.
Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required for this position.
A minimum of four to six years of hands-on experience in Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, client onboarding, compliance frameworks, or risk management is required.
Possesses a proven track record in leading and guiding teams within the financial services or fintech sectors.
Proficiency in business account onboarding processes and the documentation requirements specific to SMEs and corporate clients is essential.
A strong understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Know Your Customer (KYC) Guidelines, and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations, is strongly desirable.
Analytical acumen, exceptional interpersonal abilities, and proficient stakeholder engagement capabilities are essential.
Proficiency in Know Your Customer (KYC) systems and related tools is advantageous for this role.
Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail while thriving in dynamic, high-pressure settings.
Success is defined by the consistent achievement of ambitious goals, measurable outcomes, and sustainable growth within the role. High performance is demonstrated through the ability to exceed targets, deliver measurable results, and contribute to long-term organizational success. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to excel in this position. The ideal candidate will embody adaptability, leadership, and a results-driven mindset while aligning their efforts with the company’s strategic objectives.
Ensure that merchant accounts undergo timely and precise onboarding processes while also conducting thorough, risk-focused reviews to mitigate potential threats.
Strengthen the organization’s risk management framework by maintaining strict compliance with the latest Know Your Customer (KYC) regulatory requirements.
By implementing stringent process controls and proactive monitoring, potential compliance breaches and audit exceptions can be significantly reduced, ensuring robust adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies.
Enhance the efficiency of onboarding and review processes to reduce turnaround time, ensuring that quality standards remain consistently high.
Develop a proficient and adaptable KYC support team by providing ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Ensure internal stakeholders consistently receive high levels of satisfaction through dependable Know Your Customer (KYC) support services.
What We Can Offer You
We champion a people-first culture that places the well-being of every employee at the forefront. Our organization fosters an environment where all perspectives are valued, and mutual support is ingrained in our collective mindset. Fundamentally, we remain grounded in humanity.
We foster a culture of continuous learning and development, prioritizing knowledge exchange and professional training initiatives.
You will enjoy a competitive salary, pension contributions, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and an annual bonus, alongside additional benefits.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
4 - 6 years
