First VP, Anti-Financial Crimes (AFC) Ops Overseas Branches and Corporates Team Lead

About UOB

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in Asia with a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. UOB's purpose is to build the future of ASEAN. Our purpose guides The UOB Way – that defines our unique culture and belief system, anchored on our values of being Honourable, Enterprising, United and Committed, and our people philosophy of Care, Growth and Trust. 

About the department

UOB Innovation Hub 2 (InnoHub2) is a UOB-wholly owned subsidiary and a Centre of Excellence based in Malaysia, providing Group Business Services (GBS) to support the UOB Group. Started in 2021 with technology application design, development and support, InnoHub2 is expanding beyond technology services to deliver other business services to support the Bank’s growth ambition. We are looking for talented and motivated individuals to be part of the pioneer team spearheading the development and delivery of the new services.
 
As part of the InnoHub2 team, you will have the opportunity to work on Group initiatives and gain regional business exposure. We are dynamic, passionate and purposeful about delivering trusted financial solutions that enables business growth. An exciting career progression with varied opportunities awaits you at IH2. Come grow your career with us.

Job Description

This role requires the incumbent to manage and oversee KYC and CDD requirements in customer’s onboarding and periodic reviews with a key focus on ensuring compliance on regulatory requirements, to address AML / CFT & Sanctions concerns. Customer segments include Wholesale Banking Corporate and Investment Banking segment customers in Singapore and other countries.

In this role, the primary responsibilities of the incumbent are:

• Support the Head AFC Ops (COE) in taking ownership, accountability, and execution in overall AML CDD strategic program for the Corporates & Investment Banking segment
• Consistently review & work with key stakeholders to enhance work processes to achieve operations efficiency while ensuring consistent interpretation and implementation of 
• Group Compliance AML/CFT policies and framework
• Revise and update local SOP and workflow processes for operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Provide timely management reporting and conduct AFC related trainings to the team
• Highlight of potential concerns / risks and proactively share best risk management practices.
• Ensure agreed SLAs supported by the teams are met
• Responsible for checking and signing off complex and high risk customers due diligence profiles for all jurisdictions
• Work with Head AFC Ops (COE) and Group AFC Ops function to manage queries during External / Internal Audit, Group Compliance and Regulatory Audit for favorable review outcomes
• Oversight and management of the KYC teams performing CDD fulfillment to meet with 
• Bank and Regulatory requirements pertaining towards customer’s life cycle with the Bank.
• Focus on procedures and processes to enable the KYC teams to achieve monthly satisfactory score for Key Operational Risk Indicator (KORI) metrics
• Provide oversight to ensure alignment of bank’s management responsibility and principles for effective risk and controls and connectivity across the teams and with Group AFC Ops
• Manage business efficiency of Overseas Branch Entities via centralization platform by ensuring relevant policies and standards are continuously reviewed and updated to reflect relevant changes and best practice
• Swift KYC Registry maintenance of Bank’s counterparties thru the uploading of Bank’s information and responding to RFIs from counterparty Banks’
• Support Group AFC Ops in FACTCA and CRS reporting matters

Requirements 

The primary requirements (not limited to) of the incumbent are:

• A strong track record in risk and regulatory matters pertaining towards know your customer (KYC) and financial crimes risks and typologies in ensuring customer due diligence is executed appropriately, with a clear thought process, rather than a tick box exercise
• Experienced in analyzing and quantifying complex strategic issues tied to AML CDD / transactions / activities surveillance.
• To demonstrate relevant experience in the management of people and relationships via supervisory experiences and proven leadership ability. Including the skills to develop, coach and grow teams
• Able to advise senior stakeholders with great skill and a level of confidence, knowledge and stature to provide advice in the handling of customers’ due diligence requirements
• Strong at influencing thinking and behaviors that are align with the Bank’s commitment against financial crimes, with the highest level of integrity and the ability to balance commercial objectives with the exercise of independent and prudent judgement
• Certification as an AML specialist (e.g., CAMS / Diploma in AML) with a recognized institution will be an advantage