KYC Onboarding Associate - Funds

Overview of the role The KYC Onboarding Associate (Funds) is a vital first line role within our organisation, responsible for supporting onboarding for clients introduced by the UAE entity to our Group UK entity, with a particular focus on funds and responsible for onboarding UAE clients. This position requires a high level of diligence, analytical skills, and previous KYC/KYB onboarding experience with funds. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

- Collect and review KYC/KYB documents for UAE-incorporated clients onboarded by our UK group entity, with a particular focus on funds. Handing over to UK Onboarding for approval and account opening.
- Conduct end-to-end onboarding of DIFC clients, with particular focus on funds.
- Act as liaison between the client, the DIFC Sales team and UK Onboarding until the account goes live.
- Conduct thorough and accurate client due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD) checks in accordance with AML/KYC regulations, using the relevant screening tools.
- Identify and verify ultimate beneficial owners and controllers across fund structures, including general partners, management companies, investment managers and fund administrators.
- Ensure all onboarding processes adhere to regulatory and compliance standards.
- Review and verify documentation to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
- Identify and escalate high risk cases, potential risks or red flags to the CO/MLRO.
- Act as the first point of contact for KYC-related queries, providing timely and professional responses to clients.
- Communicate effectively to obtain required documentation and clarify requirements with clients.
- Maintain accurate records of onboarding activities within internal systems.
- Support the CO/MLRO with audits, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for improving processes and suggest innovative solutions to enhance efficiency.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

- Proven experience in KYC/KYB onboarding within Financial Services or a similar regulated industry
- Experience onboarding funds and fund-related structures (e.g. GPs, management companies, SPVs) at a DFSA or FSRA-regulated firm, such as a fund administrator, bank, custodian or fund manager, is a must.
- Working knowledge of the DFSA AML Module and UAE AML/CFT framework; awareness of UK requirements (MLRs 2017, JMLSG guidance) is advantageous.
- A recognised AML/compliance qualification (e.g. ICA certificate) is advantageous, or willingness to work towards one.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
- Analytical and process-oriented mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including across UK and UAE teams.
- Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to changing regulatory landscapes.
- A true team player with a winning mentality and strong work ethic committed to continuous improvement and high performance.
- Adaptable, tenacious and flexible, able to perform under pressure.
- A collaborative approach to working with others and committed to an inclusive environment.
- Willingness to travel to the Dubai office as required.

Benefits

We believe great people do their best work when they feel supported, rewarded, and empowered to grow. That’s why we offer a benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, finances, and life outside of work.
- Enrolment into DEWS
- Private healthcare
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus an extra day off for your birthday!
- Eligible employees can take part in our Work from Abroad scheme for up to 2 weeks per year
- Look forward to our Annual Leave Loyalty Scheme where annual holiday entitlement increases by 1 day per year after 3 full years of service
- Training sponsorship
- Annual flight expense scheme
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay after a year’s service
Diversity & Inclusion We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success. We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, identity or experiences. By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting equity, we aim to create an environment where all employees can perform and reach their full potential.
What’s next?
- We will review your application and come back to you as soon as possible.
- Full background checks will be carried out on all successful candidates.