AVP-International- KYC Outsourcing Hub Emiratized Role

Company Description

First Abu Dhabi Bank is an inclusive environment where each person values the experiences, perspectives, ideas and beliefs of others. We’re in a unique position to learn from all our colleagues, combining international experience with deep cultural knowledge and local expertise. At FAB, you’ll have the support of your team and a strong relationship with your line manager, who will trust you with responsibility and recognize your good performance. As we embrace different ways of seeing the world, listening to each other and respecting different viewpoints, we grow stronger – together.

Job Description

In alignment with UAE and international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is required to conduct Know-Your-Client (KYC) reviews for all new clients and perform periodic reviews for existing ones.

The AVP – International will lead and manage the newly established Asia KYC Outsourcing Hub based in the UAE, covering jurisdictions including Singapore, Labuan, Hong Kong, and China. This centralized team will be responsible for executing the “Maker/Analyst” and “Checker” functions for onboarding Corporate, FI, and NBFI clients, across new onboarding, trigger events, and periodic reviews.

The AVP will ensure that all documentary evidence complies with internal policy standards and regulatory expectations, while enforcing adherence to Group KYC guidelines across the four jurisdictions. This role is pivotal in maintaining consistency, quality, and governance in client onboarding processes, and supports FAB’s broader Target Operating Model and outsourcing strategy.

KYC Operations Management

• Oversee end-to-end execution of KYC onboarding, trigger event reviews, and periodic reviews, ensuring adherence to Group KYC standards and jurisdictional regulatory requirements.
• Lead and manage the KYC Outsourcing Hub for Asia and UAE, ensuring compliance with local and international standards.
• Supervise centralized “Maker/Analyst” and “Checker” functions, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely delivery.
• Monitor workload distribution across local and offshore teams for optimal resource utilization.
• Collaborate with regional teams to align with global KYC policies and procedures.
• Provide expert guidance on KYC requirements specific to Asian markets, including regulatory updates and best practices.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits to identify process improvements and implement corrective actions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, clients, and internal teams.
• Leadership & Strategic Oversight
• Establish and lead the UAE-based KYC Outsourcing Hub in line with FAB’s Target Operating Model (TOM) and outsourcing strategy.
• Define and implement the operational framework for onboarding Corporate, FI, and NBFI clients across Asia.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in KYC processes through automation and best practices.
• Risk & Compliance Governance
• Ensure all onboarding activities comply with FAB jurisdictional regulations and international AML/CFT standards.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to client due diligence, documentation gaps, and regulatory breaches.
• Act as the first line of defense (FLOD) for KYC governance, ensuring robust controls and audit readiness.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as the primary liaison between the KYC Hub and key stakeholders including Relationship Managers, Compliance, Legal, and Operations.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to resolve onboarding issues and enhance client experience.
• Represent the KYC Hub in governance forums and strategic planning sessions.
• People Management & Development
• Build and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide coaching, and support career development plans.
• Promote knowledge sharing and cross-training to build resilience and flexibility within the team.
• Act as a role model to direct and indirect reports to drive adherence to organisational values and ethics and foster a value driven culture within the bank.
• Reporting & MI
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of Management Information (MI) reports on onboarding volumes, turnaround times (TATs), and quality metrics.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs), initiating corrective actions where needed.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management for strategic decision-making.
• Technology & Process Enhancement
• Collaborate with IT and transformation teams to enhance KYC systems (e.g., FeneX) and workflows.
• Support the implementation of digital tools and automation to streamline onboarding and reduce manual effort.
• Ensure system configurations and data capture align with regulatory and business requirements.
  

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in management, banking, finance, preferably with certification in compliance, KYC/AML/CFT, financial crime or risk management
  
  

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in KYC, compliance, or a related field, with a focus on Asia.
• In-depth knowledge of KYC regulations and requirements in Asian markets.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven track record of successfully managing KYC processes and projects in Asia.