Head of Onboarding - ASAP

A Geneva-based, FINMA-regulated financial institution is seeking an experienced Head of Client Onboarding to lead its account-opening function on a fixed-term contract. The role combines team leadership, hands-on oversight of complex KYC cases and the transformation of onboarding processes within a fast-paced, international environment.

Our client is a Geneva-based, FINMA-regulated financial institution and part of an established international financial services group.

Operating at the intersection of banking, technology and financial markets, the organisation offers a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment, supported by strong governance and regulatory standards.

As the business continues to develop its Swiss activities and operational capabilities, it is looking for a senior onboarding professional able to combine leadership, regulatory rigour and operational execution.

This opportunity will appeal to someone seeking visible responsibility, direct exposure to senior stakeholders and the ability to improve a critical part of the client journey.

Missions

As Head of Client Onboarding, you will lead the day-to-day operation and continued development of the client onboarding function.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead, manage and develop the client onboarding team, setting clear priorities, service standards and performance expectations.
• Oversee the end-to-end onboarding process, from the initial client application through to account activation.
• Ensure that client files are reviewed and processed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with Swiss AML/KYC requirements, internal policies and the institution's risk appetite.
• Act as the senior point of escalation for complex, sensitive or higher-risk onboarding cases.
• Review cases involving PEPs, complex ownership structures, corporate clients, sanctions exposure or other enhanced due diligence requirements.
• Ensure that complex cases are appropriately documented and escalated to Compliance or senior management when required.
• Manage team capacity, workload allocation, onboarding backlogs and business continuity.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs, turnaround times, quality standards and service-level expectations.
• Identify bottlenecks, control weaknesses and opportunities to improve the client onboarding journey.
• Drive the standardisation, documentation and continuous improvement of onboarding processes, controls and procedures.
• Support the automation and digitalisation of onboarding workflows in collaboration with Technology and operational stakeholders.
• Work closely with Compliance, Legal, Risk, Operations, Technology and commercial teams to resolve onboarding issues and facilitate sound business decisions.
• Maintain a clear distinction between first-line operational responsibilities and second-line Compliance oversight.
• Prepare regular management information and reporting on volumes, turnaround times, risk indicators, pending cases and operational performance.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory reviews and the remediation of identified findings.
• Promote a culture of accountability, client focus, regulatory discipline and continuous improvement.

Profil du candidat

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in client onboarding, account opening or KYC operations within a Swiss-regulated banking or financial services environment.

The ideal profile will include:

• At least 3-5 years of relevant experience in client onboarding, KYC, AML operations or account opening within a bank or regulated financial institution.
• Proven experience managing and developing an onboarding, KYC or banking operations team.
• Strong knowledge of the Swiss AML and client due diligence framework, including AMLA, AMLO-FINMA and CDB 20 requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex client structures, beneficial ownership, source of wealth and source of funds information.
• Experience handling higher-risk clients, PEPs, corporate structures and enhanced due diligence cases.
• A clear understanding of the respective responsibilities of the first and second lines of defence.
• Experience managing operational volumes, service levels, backlogs, quality controls and team capacity.
• A strong track record of improving processes, controls and operational efficiency.
• Confidence interacting with senior management, Compliance, Risk, Legal, commercial teams and auditors.
• A hands-on leadership style and the willingness to remain directly involved in sensitive or complex cases.
• Strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to make pragmatic, risk-based decisions.
• The ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, international and highly digital environment.
• Excellent English and strong French language skills.
• A university degree or recognised professional qualification in banking, law, compliance, finance or a related discipline.

Conditions et Avantages

• The opportunity to manage and develop a client onboarding team.
• Significant exposure to senior management and key business stakeholders.
• The ability to redesign processes and have a measurable impact on operational performance and client experience.
• A broad role combining complex case oversight, governance and transformation.
• An international working environment within a regulated financial institution.
• Exposure to digital banking, financial markets and technology-driven operating models.
• A hybrid working model.