Director, Head of KYC Transformation

SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.

 

In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC Rail Services LLC, Manufacturers Bank, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.

 

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $169,000.00 and $215,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.

 

Role Description

Reporting to the Head of KYC in the Compliance Department, Americas Division, the KYC Transformation Director will be responsible for leading the transformation book of work across people, process, and technology.

 

The KYC Transformation Director is a senior member of the KYC Department’s management team and will partner with the Head of KYC to develop and implement a centralized KYC model across the America’s Division.  This includes developing an enhanced governance structure, standardizing KYC requirements, KYC system replacement, and various process improvements to further improve the control environment. 

Role Objectives

• Accountable for overall program deliverables and management, including regular communications to leadership on progress, risks and mitigants.
• Provide thought leadership on process reengineering with subject matter expertise on KYC redesign and standardization.
• Collaborate with leadership across group companies in compliance, operations, business, and technology.  
• Work with Analytics/Regulatory Innovation unit on various implementations related to the KYC program.
• Assist AML Program Management team and members of AML senior management in reviewing AML Policies and Procedures.
• Coordinate with Home Office regarding global KYC requirements.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated success in developing similar transformation within large financial institutions.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to partner and influence cross-functionally and at all levels of the organization without direct authority.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with Fenergo is a strong plus but not required
• Experience in managing
• In-depth knowledge of the U.S. and non-U.S. AML and Sanctions laws
• Expert knowledge of banking products and services.
• Team player that demonstrates and promotes a positive team culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Advanced MS Office, particularly PowerPoint and Excel skills
• Work Experience: 10+years of specialized experience in Financial Services KYC/CDD/EDD compliance. 
• Education: Preferred: BA / BS (or equivalent experience)

Additional Requirements

D&I Commitment

Responsible for fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, holding leaders accountable for creating an inclusive environment through awareness and practice of equity in recruiting, developing, and promoting diverse talent.

SMBC’s employees participate in a hybrid workforce model that provides employees with an opportunity to work from home, as well as, from an SMBC office. SMBC requires that employees live within a reasonable commuting distance of their office location. Prospective candidates will learn more about their specific hybrid work schedule during their interview process.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consi