Summary

DEPARTMENT/ TEAM PURPOSE: 

The KYC Operations team are part of the Client Implementation team who sit within Copper’s Operations Department.  

The KYC Operations team will be responsible for completing and overseeing Know Your Customer (“KYC”) and Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) due diligence on Copper’s clients to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and to safeguard Copper against financial crime risk. 

ROLE PURPOSE: 

The Head of KYC Operations leads the strategic and operational delivery of Know Your Customer processes across the firm. This role ensures compliance with AML regulations, drives operational efficiency, and enhances client onboarding and ongoing due diligence experiences. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Strategic Leadership

1. Contributing to the continuous improvement of onboarding controls and refinement of KYC processes and procedures. 
2. Lead transformation initiatives to improve KYC workflows and client journeys 
3. Represent KYC operations in senior governance forums and risk committees 

Operational Oversight

1. Ensuring appropriate KYC and CDD checks are completed in line with Copper’s Compliance Policies in each operating jurisdiction. 
2. Ensure adherence to internal policies and global regulatory requirements 

Risk & Compliance

1. Partner with Compliance to coordinate communications and interactions with regulators during audits and reviews 
2. Leading the team to ensure there are comprehensive and robust quality checks on the cases completed by the Onboarding Analysts 
3. Mitigate operational risks and ensure robust quality assurance processes 
4. Collaborate with Compliance and Risk teams to align on regulatory expectations 

Stakeholder Engagement

1. Build strong relationships with internal partners, including senior leadership 
2. Act as the primary interface with regulators during audits and reviews 
3. Support client communications and manage escalations related to KYC 

Team Development

1. Coach and develop high-performing KYC professionals 
2. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and compliance excellence 
3. Implement training frameworks and career development pathways

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential 

1. Extensive experience (10+ years) in KYC/AML operations within financial services 
2. Proven leadership within a KYC team 
3. Deep understanding of global financial crime regulations and KYC standards 
4. Excellent KYC and CDD subject matter knowledge with 3-4 years managing a team onboarding institutional clients
5. In depth understanding of the UK Money Laundering Regulations, EU Fifth Money Laundering Directive and global sanctions regimes

Desirable

1. Understanding of and genuine interest in Crypto, Fintech and Financial Services 
2. Possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a qualified university 

Skills

• Business Relation
• Communications Skills
• Compliance Knowledge
• Leadership
• Operations
• Strategic Thinking
• Team Collaboration