Profile Summary
Mizuho EMEA is seeking an experienced AML/KYC Quality Control Associate to support the delivery of high-quality client due diligence across its corporate and institutional banking business.
This role sits within the first line of defence and is responsible for reviewing KYC files completed by Analysts, ensuring they meet internal policy, regulatory expectations, and risk‑based standards. The position is not a standalone “checker” function; it operates as a partner to Analysts, providing coaching, identifying trends, and driving continuous improvement in quality and consistency.
The successful candidate will combine strong technical KYC expertise with a pragmatic, risk‑based mindset and the ability to influence stakeholders across operations.
Responsibilities
Quality Control & Review
- Perform detailed quality reviews of KYC/CDD/EDD files across a range of entity types and risk levels.
- Assess completeness, accuracy, and consistency, primarily against a pre‑defined QC checklist and scoring criteria as well as internal policies and regulatory requirements.
- Apply a risk‑based approach to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and potential financial crime risks.
- Ensure files meet internal and external scrutiny standards and support challenge conversations on Quality Assurance findings.
Coaching & Quality Improvement
- Work with KYC Analysts to ensure timely completion of profiles and support prioritisation of workload to meet objectives of the team.
- Provide constructive feedback and coaching to Analysts to improve individual and team performance.
- Identify recurring issues and common themes, escalating trends and recommending improvements at operational, guidance and technological levels.
- Support the development of quality standards, guidance, and training materials.
Stakeholder Management
- Engage effectively with Analysts, Team Leads, and Financial Crime stakeholders.
- Clearly articulate and justify QC decisions, particularly where findings are challenged.
- Build strong working relationships to support a collaborative, high‑performance culture.
Process Improvement & Change
- Contribute to process enhancements and efficiency initiatives across KYC operations.
- Provide input into process improvements, policy updates, control frameworks, and system improvements.
- Support implementation of regulatory or internal change initiatives.
Operational Flexibility
- Act as a flexible resource within the team, supporting broader KYC activities where required.
- Maintain strong awareness of workload priorities and delivery timelines.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Solid experience in AML/KYC operations within banking or financial services.
- Hands‑on experience reviewing or completing KYC for corporate and institutional clients.
- Familiarity with a wide range of entity types, including:
- Listed and non‑listed corporates
- Regulated and non‑regulated financial institutions
- Funds and asset managers
- Private equity structures
- SPVs, Trusts, and complex ownership structures
- Strong understanding of financial crime risk (AML, CTF, sanctions) and how it applies in practice.
- Good knowledge of corporate and investment banking products and associated risk profiles.
- Understanding of global KYC standards, with exposure to EMEA regulatory environments (UK, EU, UAE beneficial).
- Ability to distinguish between material risk issues and minor technical findings.
- Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and challenge where appropriate.
- Confident in explaining and defending QC decisions to stakeholders.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with evolving regulatory expectations.
- Proactive in identifying opportunities to improve processes and controls.
- Open to change and able to adapt quickly to new requirements.
Desirable
- Experience in a Quality Control / Quality Assurance function within KYC or Financial Crime.
- Knowledge of EMEA regulatory frameworks (e.g. FCA, EBA, UAE Central Bank).
- Exposure to audit or regulatory reviews.
- Relevant certifications (e.g. ICA, ACAMS).
Benefits
- Competitive starting salary, plus discretionary bonus.
- Non‑contributory pension.
- 27 days’ annual leave.
- Core working hours*.
- Hybrid working – office and home based*.
- Virtual GP.
- Wellbeing benefits, including Mental Health Allies and First Aiders.
*For applicable roles only.
At Mizuho, we embrace flexible ways of working when the role permits. We offer different working arrangements like part‑time, job‑sharing and hybrid (office and home) working. Our purpose‑led culture and global infrastructure help us connect, collaborate, and work together in agile ways to meet all our business needs.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement
At Mizuho we are committed to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion, and seek to create a workplace that is fully inclusive. We welcome applications from all sections of the community that we operate in and from all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, beliefs, gender identities and disabilities.
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