AML and KYC Manager

ZAD is the brainchild of a group of young, passionate Kuwaiti financial professionals driven by a vision of fostering a culture of investment in Kuwait. And for this team, Zad began as a means to answer a need in the market: the need to make investment an accessible concept and viable choice for a broader audience.

Department: AML

Reports To: Compliance & Legal Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

We are seeking an AML & KYC Manager to lead and oversee ZAD’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and Know Your Customer (KYC) framework. The role is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and financial crime controls in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

The AML & KYC Manager will oversee day-to-day AML operations, manage and develop the AML team, ensure timely resolution of escalations, and continuously enhance the organization’s financial crime risk management framework. The role also serves as a key stakeholder during regulatory examinations, audits, and the development of AML/KYC policies, procedures, and controls.

• Oversee and manage KYC, CDD, EDD, sanctions screening, and ongoing customer review processes.
• Ensure compliance with Capital Markets Authority regulations and all applicable AML, CTF, sanctions, and financial crime requirements.
• Build, enhance, and maintain AML/KYC policies, procedures, controls, and risk management frameworks.
• Ensure effective transaction monitoring and investigation of suspicious activities, alerts, and escalations.
• Review and approve high-risk customer onboarding, periodic reviews, and enhanced due diligence assessments.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and escalation of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop the AML & KYC team, ensuring strong performance and adherence to service standards.
• Monitor regulatory developments and ensure timely implementation of regulatory changes and internal policy updates.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, Operations, Product, and other departments to strengthen financial crime controls and mitigate regulatory risks.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and ensure successful completion of internal audits, external audits, and regulatory examinations.
• Identify opportunities to improve AML/KYC processes and support automation and system enhancement initiatives.
• Prepare and present periodic management reports, risk assessments, regulatory updates, and AML/KYC performance metrics.

• Regulatory Compliance: 100% adherence to AML/KYC, Capital Markets Authority, sanctions, and financial crime regulations.
• KYC Quality & Accuracy: ≥99% accuracy and completeness of customer due diligence documentation.
• Transaction Monitoring Effectiveness: ≥95% of alerts reviewed and resolved within established SLAs.
• High-Risk Customer Reviews: 100% completion of periodic reviews within regulatory timelines.
• Audit & Regulatory Outcomes: Zero high-risk or repeat findings related to AML/KYC controls.
• Team Performance: Achievement of departmental productivity, quality, and service level targets.
• Regulatory Change Management: Timely implementation of all applicable regulatory and policy updates.
• Framework Enhancement: Continuous improvement of AML/KYC controls, processes, and risk mitigation measures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Law, Risk Management, Accounting, or a related field.
• CAMS, ICA, or other AML-related certifications are preferred.

• 6–10 years of experience in AML/KYC, Compliance, Financial Crime, or Risk Management within fintech, banking, investment firms, or financial services.
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing or leading AML/KYC teams.
• Strong knowledge of AML, CTF, sanctions compliance, customer due diligence, Capital Markets Authority regulations, and financial crime risk management.
• Experience interacting with regulators, auditors, and external stakeholders, including the Capital Markets Authority.
• Experience with AML transaction monitoring systems, sanctions screening tools, and KYC verification platforms.

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and risk assessment skills.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and financial crime typologies.
• Ability to make sound decisions in complex and high-risk situations.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and professional judgment.

• Strong ownership and accountability.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to risk management.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.