Description
Principal KYC Specialist
Location: Ireland
Department: Shared Services
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Hybrid
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Role Overview
As a Principal KYC Specialist, we are looking for someone to help shape global KYC strategy and influence client experience at the highest level. You will work with diverse regulatory environments and complex client structures. In this role, you will lead complex, multi-jurisdictional client onboarding processes for some of the firm's most strategic relationships, including Top 30 global clients. You will act as the first point of contact for these clients during onboarding, conducting initial KYC/AML analysis, screening, and risk assessments. You will make informed decisions on the level of due diligence required, including ownership verification and customer due diligence (CDD), ensuring regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.
This role demands a pragmatic, risk-based mindset and the confidence to make decisions that ensure regulatory obligations are met while balancing commercial priorities. You will work closely with Legal, Risk, and Compliance to provide assurance around the robustness of the onboarding process and the quality of due diligence performed. Following your initial assessment, you will be supported by regional KYC colleagues who will carry out more localized risk assessments where needed.
Key Responsibilities
* Serve as the primary KYC contact for strategic, multi-jurisdictional client onboardings.
* Conduct initial KYC/AML screening and risk assessments, determining the scope of required documentation and due diligence.
* Make decisions on ownership structures, CDD requirements, and risk classification in line with global regulatory standards.
* Apply sound judgment and a pragmatic, risk-based approach to onboarding decisions.
* Confidently assess complex client structures and escalate where necessary, balancing regulatory requirements with business needs.
* Interpret and apply global KYC/AML regulations in accordance with our Global AML Framework.
* Conduct enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients and jurisdictions.
* Collaborate with Legal, Risk, and Compliance to validate onboarding decisions and ensure procedural integrity.
* Partner with Relationship Managers, Sales, Legal, Risk and Compliance, and Operations to align onboarding with business goals.
* Represent KYC in global client meetings and internal governance forums.
* Drive continuous improvement in onboarding workflows, leveraging automation and data analytics.
* Contribute to global policy development and ensure alignment with local regulatory requirements.
* Mentor junior KYC analysts and contribute to global training programs.
* Share best practices across regions and promote a culture of compliance excellence.
Qualifications & Experience
* Minimum 8+ years of experience in KYC/AML, preferably in a global role within a corporate services provider, fund administrator, or financial institution.
* Proven track record managing multi-jurisdictional onboarding and complex client structures (e.g., trusts, SPVs, funds).
* Deep understanding of global regulatory frameworks and risk typologies.
* Experience working with Top Tier clients and navigating high-stakes onboarding scenarios.
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Highly collaborative and team-oriented
* Demonstrated ability to make informed decisions under pressure and apply a pragmatic, risk-based lens.
* Familiarity with KYC tools and platforms (e.g., World-Check, KYCP, Salesforce).
* Professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA) are a plus.