Head of Client Onboarding

Job description

HEAD OF CLIENT ONBOARDING in Zurich, 100% in the Legal & Compliance department.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Client Onboarding. In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and continuous development of the client onboarding, KYC, and AML framework to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements while enabling business growth.

Tasks

• Lead, manage, and develop the global client onboarding and KYC team to foster strong performance, a risk-aware and collaborative environment.
• Take responsibility for client onboarding, KYC due diligence, and AML processes, including assessments of PEPs, high-risk clients, and complex structures.
• Define, implement, and continuously improve onboarding and KYC/AML policies, procedures, and controls to meet regulatory requirements (AMLA, AML-FINMA, CDB 20, FinSA, FinIA).
• Act as a trusted advisor to front office departments and senior management on onboarding, KYC, and AML matters.
• Monitor and approve complex onboarding cases and escalations to ensure consistent and risk-based decisions.
• Prepare and review internal assessments, risk analyses, and management reports related to onboarding and KYC activities.
• Plan and monitor reviews and quality assurance activities in the onboarding/KYC area.
• Lead and sponsor projects, including new business initiatives, process optimization, and implementation of new tools or systems.
• Ensure effective management of client documentation and lifecycle processes in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits related to onboarding/KYC, including preparing materials and coordinating responses.
• Monitor regulatory developments and ensure that new requirements affecting client onboarding are implemented in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Degree in law, compliance, finance, business administration, or a related field (preferably from a Swiss university or Swiss university of applied sciences).
• 7+ years of experience in the financial industry in compliance, onboarding/KYC, audit, or consulting, with proven leadership experience.
• Strong and practical knowledge of Swiss financial market regulations, in particular AMLA, AML-FINMA, CDB 20, FinSA, and FinIA.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to motivate, coach, and develop teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to interact with senior management and the front office.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to balance regulatory rigor with business pragmatism in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in English and German (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of MS Office applications.