Senior Manager / Manager, Central KYC (BCCO)

Maybank Investment Bank is seeking an experienced and driven professional to lead our Central KYC (CKYC) Operations function under Business Conduct & Controls Office (BCCO). This role is responsible for overseeing client onboarding, due diligence, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and team leadership to ensure the highest standards of governance and risk management across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Central KYC Operations

• Drive the overall management and strategic direction of CKYC Operations.
• Establish operational priorities and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Oversee workload distribution, resource planning, and service delivery standards.
• Ensure consistent and high-quality execution of KYC activities across all client segments.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain strong knowledge of AML, CFT, KYC, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Oversee risk assessments, client risk categorization, and reviews of high-risk relationships.
• Implement controls and processes to mitigate financial crime and compliance risks.

Client Onboarding & Review Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end onboarding activities and periodic or event-driven client reviews.
• Approve complex and high-risk cases while ensuring sound risk management practices.
• Monitor turnaround times, service levels, and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in client onboarding efficiency and effectiveness.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Team Leads and operational staff.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching sessions, and succession planning activities.
• Identify capability gaps and implement relevant training and development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, compliance, and operational excellence.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with Compliance, Risk, Front Office, Operations, and other business units.
• Act as the primary escalation point for regulatory inquiries, audits, and compliance-related matters.
• Support regulatory inspections and internal audit engagements.
• Provide advisory support on KYC-related matters and process enhancements.

Process & System Enhancement

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, scalability, and control effectiveness.
• Support system implementation, testing, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Drive process optimization projects and ensure effective change adoption across teams.

Strategic Initiatives & Projects

• Lead and oversee special assignments, regulatory initiatives, and transformation projects.
• Ensure effective governance, reporting, issue management, and escalation.
• Manage project resources and deliverables to meet business objectives.

Requirements:

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Banking, Finance, Business, Law, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in banking or financial services, including at least 3-5 years in KYC, AML, Financial Crime Compliance, or Client Due Diligence functions.
• Proven experience managing KYC operations and leading teams within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong knowledge of AML/CFT regulations, KYC requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Experience handling complex client structures, high-risk clients, and escalated cases.
• Exposure to regulatory audits, operational risk management, and business process improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and engaging with senior stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & People Management
• KYC / AML Compliance Expertise
• Risk Assessment & Decision Making
• Stakeholder Management
• Regulatory Knowledge
• Operational Excellence
• Process Improvement & Change Management
• Communication & Influencing Skills
• Strategic Thinking
• Problem Solving & Analytical Skills

Why Join Us?

At Maybank Investment Bank, you will play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of our client onboarding and due diligence processes while contributing to transformation initiatives that strengthen operational excellence and regulatory compliance across the organization.