We are seeking an accomplished professional to fill a strategic position within our organization. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of success in a similar role, demonstrating expertise in key areas such as project management, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, driving innovation, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The successful applicant must meet specific requirements, such as a minimum of five years of relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in industry-standard software tools. Additionally, exceptional communication abilities and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for this dynamic and results-driven position.
The Lead, Merchant KYC Support oversees the strategic and operational execution of Know Your Customer (KYC) activities enterprise-wide. Key responsibilities include directing a team of KYC Support Officers, supervising merchant onboarding procedures, enforcing adherence to regulatory mandates, and upholding the accuracy of customer due diligence frameworks.
The position demands expertise in know your customer (KYC) policies, risk evaluation frameworks, and regulatory compliance requirements, alongside the capacity to collaborate across departments to uphold a robust risk management strategy and mitigate financial crime risks.
Oversee and execute essential duties with precision and accountability, ensuring all key tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner. Lead and collaborate across teams to maintain high standards of performance and achieve organizational objectives. Implement strategic initiatives that drive productivity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the role’s scope. Serve as a point of contact for critical functions, providing guidance and support to uphold operational excellence. Foster a culture of reliability, professionalism, and adherence to established protocols while delivering measurable results.
Demonstrate leadership by guiding, mentoring, and overseeing the KYC Support team on a daily basis, with a focus on ensuring the timely and precise execution of onboarding and periodic review responsibilities.
Conduct thorough evaluations of high-risk client files and associated risk assessments, ensuring to escalate intricate cases and strategic recommendations to management for ultimate authorization.
Responsible for the ongoing enhancement and oversight of due diligence workflows, document validation procedures, and risk categorization frameworks.
Execute periodic, trigger-based, and event-driven client reviews promptly to ensure full compliance with all regulatory obligations.
Maintain precise data integrity and meticulous record keeping for all KYC-related documentation and audit trails.
Serve as the primary escalation contact for internal stakeholders encountering KYC documentation or onboarding-related complications, ensuring timely resolution and support.
Work collaboratively with Compliance, Risk, Data & Document Management, and Customer Success teams to ensure KYC support functions are fully integrated with and aligned to the organization’s overarching risk frameworks.
Monitor regulatory developments and revisions in Know Your Customer (KYC) mandates, providing strategic recommendations to refine internal policies and protocols in alignment with these changes.
Facilitate the creation and implementation of KYC-focused training initiatives for both the team and key cross-functional partners to ensure comprehensive understanding and adherence to regulatory standards.
We are responsible for preparing periodic performance and risk exposure reports, which are essential for informing management decisions.
Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely 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.
Experienced professionals who have successfully led or guided teams within financial services or fintech organizations.
Possesses a comprehensive knowledge of business account onboarding processes and the specific documentation requirements pertaining to SMEs and corporate entities.
Proficiency in relevant regulatory standards, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Know Your Customer (KYC) directives, and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, is strongly advantageous.
Proven ability to analyze complex information, convey insights clearly, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
A strong familiarity with KYC systems and tools is beneficial.
Detail-oriented professional with a proven capacity to thrive in high-pressure, dynamic settings, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
What Constitutes Success in This Role
Successful performance in this position requires a proven track record of delivering measurable results aligned with organizational objectives. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in the relevant field, coupled with the ability to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities. Key responsibilities include overseeing strategic initiatives, fostering collaborative relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and communication is essential. In addition to technical skills, the ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership qualities, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to continuous improvement.
Provide thorough, accurate onboarding and risk-assessed reviews of merchant accounts in a timely manner.
Enhance the organization’s risk management framework by maintaining strict compliance with the latest Know Your Customer (KYC) regulatory standards.
Implement stringent process controls to proactively identify and mitigate compliance risks, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and reducing audit findings through meticulous oversight and continuous monitoring.
Enhance the efficiency of onboarding processes and review cycles without compromising the established quality benchmarks.
Develop a highly skilled and adaptable KYC support team by implementing ongoing coaching and mentoring initiatives.
Ensure consistent high satisfaction among internal stakeholders who depend on KYC support services.
What We Can Offer You
We foster a culture that places our employees at the heart of everything we do, emphasizing their well-being and growth. Our organization is designed to be inclusive, ensuring every individual’s perspective is valued and heard. Collaboration and mutual support are woven into the fabric of our workplace. Above all else, we remain grounded in our humanity, prioritizing empathy and connection among all team members.
Our organization prioritizes continuous learning and development, fostering a culture that values knowledge sharing and structured training initiatives.
You will be offered a competitive salary, a pension plan, comprehensive health insurance, an annual bonus, and additional benefits.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
4 - 6 years
