Head of KYC Operations - EMEA

Company Description

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money.

Min fees. Max ease. Full speed.

Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money.

As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money.

For everyone, everywhere.

More about our mission and what we offer .

Job Description

Your mission

Your mission is to lead the KYC Operations Function organization to ensure its compliance and provide instant service with best-in-class quality. And to do this in a scalable, cost-efficient manner, working in partnership with other Wise teams and functions, most prominently with Wise Product and Compliance.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will lead a team of Area Leads and their functional areas to drive strategic direction and operational excellence. You are responsible for setting and executing strategic objectives, building high-performing teams, and ensuring they meet operational and quality targets. The role usually involves overseeing 150+ employees across multiple locations both Internally and Outsourced, ensuring achieving the organization's mission, and aligning operational strategies with business goals.

Besides, you will be playing a business-crucial role within our Budapest office by being the onsite lead for the team based there, helping them to experience the Wise culture to the highest level.

Qualifications

• Exceptional verbal and written English communication skills are essential, with proficiency in additional languages considered advantageous. Ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Extensive experience, typically 10+ years, in Operations (preferably KYC / AML, financial crime, compliance, or related fields within the financial services industry).
• Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably 8+ years, in leading and mentoring large teams, fostering an inclusive and high-performance culture.
• In-depth expertise and strategic understanding of the regulatory environment and evolving framework surrounding KYC / AML.
• Proficient in utilizing advanced analytics tools, such as Looker, Superset, or equivalent platforms, to drive data-driven decision-making.
• Highly punctual, with a strong sense of initiative and a proactive approach to driving strategic objectives and delivering results.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with strong organizational capabilities. Ability to effectively manage time and thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Expertise in multi-tasking and maintaining accountability in complex and challenging scenarios.
• Proven ability to identify and address gaps in policies and processes, providing detailed feedback and constructive recommendations through established communication channels.
• Strong track record of personal ownership and responsibility, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across various teams and levels within the organization.
• Strategic capability in analyzing team metrics and implementing initiatives to enhance performance and drive key project outcomes.

Additional Information

What we offer

For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences. Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.

If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs.

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