Position Description
This is a leadership role within the Corporate Finance and Capital Markets (“CFCMâ€) department. The Associate Director will oversee and lead the onboarding team (COB), ensuring processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with business objectives. This position requires a seasoned professional with strong expertise in AML/KYC processes, client account opening, and stakeholder management, alongside a demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively.
Key Areas of Responsibilities - Lead the COB team and perform project-related KYC/AML checks and client trading account openings, ensuring accurate and timely execution of processes.
- Provide oversight and review for the collection of relevant information and constitutional documents, managing the account opening process for new clients through collaboration with external clients, front office/business, FATCA team, Operations, and Compliance teams.
- Ensure team compliance with the defined Customer Identification Program and regulatory standards, leveraging external data sources and screening tools effectively.
- Classify new and/or existing clients from a risk and regulatory perspective, ensuring consistent and thorough risk assessment processes.
- Resolve complex issues arising from screening processes efficiently, with timely escalation of exceptions to relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain oversight of the teams workload and ensure proper management of the database with documents, financial reports, and account-related news for Compliance vetting, Legal, and Internal Audit purposes.
- Act as the primary point of escalation for the team regarding client account opening and AML-related matters, engaging effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Requirements - A Bachelors degree is required; a Masters degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is a plus.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Corporate Finance/Investment Banking support roles, ideally within top-tier HK-regulated securities firms or related industries.
- A thorough understanding of constitutional documents and corporate structures.
- Strong expertise in account-opening processes and KYC/AML procedures.
- Knowledge of anti-money laundering regulations and HK Professional Investor Policy.
- Practical experience using AML screening tools (e.g., WorldCheck One) is highly advantageous.
- Exceptional communication skills in both English and Chinese (verbal and written).
- Detail-oriented, process-driven, and committed to delivering results.
- Self-motivated, with the ability to drive new ideas and continuous improvement while achieving business objectives.