Head of Americas KYC Operations

In a changing world, unprecedented challenges require unmatched talent. Join one of Montreal's Top Employers in 2023. We are a dynamic and growing organization having its main establishment located in downtown Montreal and part of a leading international banking institution fully committed to building a more sustainable future. Note that the position may be in the Canadian Branch of BNP Paribas or in one of its subsidiaries based in Montreal.

The position at a glance

• CIB Americas Operations mission is to be a valued PARTNER to our internal and external clients, providing the highest quality support and levels of customer service
• Operations is charged with TRANSFORMING the operational platform and instilling a culture of continuous improvement
• Operations is committed to the BNP Paribas CODE of CONDUCT and takes pride in the professional and respectful execution of its responsibilities

In detail

Candidate Success Factors:

Candidates to be measured on the following four performance drivers, which will dictate how individual impact is considered on the Americas platform:

• Results and Impact
  • Impacts division and influences peers and team
  • Demonstrates good judgement when making decisions of high complexity and impact
  • Relies on limited guidance for most complex decision making
  • Is responsible for driving outcomes which have meaningful effect on team or department
• Leadership and Collaboration
  • Creates trust with department leaders
  • Acts in leadership capacity for large projects, processes, or programs for a team
• Client, Customer and Stakeholder Focus
  • Able to build relationships with a mix of intermediate and senior colleagues or clients
  • Interacts regularly with management and department leaders
  • Demonstrates the ability to persuade and influence stakeholders at the team level
• Compliance Culture and Conduct
  • Takes full responsibility for personal actions and demonstrates courage in facing problems and conflicts
  • Perceived as a person of high moral character; upholds corporate values and displays high ethical standards”

Responsibilities:

Responsible to transform the Americas KYC platform and to engage at all levels of management internally in developing operational efficiency and improving the level of service to the external client.  This senior Operations role is charged with:

• Production
  • Foster a mindset of excellent and exemplary client service, encouraging positive and “can do” attitude among the platform
  • Provide adequate managerial support and guidance to production teams to ensure production targets for recertification and on-boarding are consistently met throughout the year
  • Ensure that KYC quality targets are reached, both for new on boarding and recertification
  • Ensure that KPIs to track volumes/WIP/Backlogs are in place and consistent
  • Manage escalations/complaints raised by team managers/member and external/internal clients
  • Jointly with E2E Coordination team, regularly meet Front Office stakeholders (GMA, GBA, FIC) to ensure KYC on-boarding and recertification process is as efficient as possible and meets their expectations, but also to understand their as well as clients’ needs/expectations and to develop a strong working relationship

• Operational Risk, Governance and control framework
  • Ensure that MIs and KRIs are regularly reviewed and utilized to identify risks, issues and future priorities; together with action plans to prevent risks arising
  • Ensure that group and/or local requirements/policies are implemented as per target dates and anticipate/escalate issues stemming from such implementations
  • Identify, address and follow-up new regulatory requirements impacting his remit and ensure timely implementation
  • Maintain at all-time an adequate and effective ongoing oversight of outsourced arrangements:
    • Clear oversight, challenge, ownership and full understanding of all the services provided to Amer KYC Operations by the services centers across India and Canada;
    • Reporting, escalation of incidents;
    • monitoring performance, escalation of risks and issues, and required execution of any local compensating controls/mitigation;
    • Full ownership of the risks and associated controls of each of those services
      • This will need to be demonstrated by regular team governance forums, clear MI, regular risk assessments and documented escalation processes
  • Ensure a robust and relevant BCP is in place and maintained up to date

• Ensure the team’s roles and responsibilities are regularly reviewed to meet the continually evolving its new challenges in line with CEP KYC Operations and the wider CIB strategies. This will require (amongst other things):
  • Full alignment with the global functions the different teams within KYC Operations support. Such alignment will make sure that any project impacting AMER is well identified, risk-assessed and any specific needs or impacts for the Region are well considered in the execution plans;
  • Work with AMER Operations management and Central CEP teams to define and deliver the strategic plans for KYC Operations, including monitoring progress and delivery deadlines

• Operates with long term strategic vision, but also adept at deploying short term tactical solutions. Relationship builder who can partner with internal auditors and regulators to drive appropriate governance, risk, and compliance frameworks and programs and take us to a “well managed”  position with DFS , FRBNY , and broker dealer agencies (FINRA/CFTC etc)

The strengths and skills that will help you succeed

• • Master’s Degree or equivalent
  • Minimum of 15 years of professional experience
  • Expert in KYC matters with strong understanding of key Compliance issues (KYC / AML / CTF) linked to client relationships and strong knowledge of the regulatory requirements on KYC/AML/CFT/MiFID/FATCA
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of CIB KYC Procedures
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of the English language is required
  • Excellent verbal, presentation and written communication skills
  • Ability to defend opinion and proposals to target a specific and challenging audience
  • Ability to motivate and lead the platform, ability to work within resource constraints
  • Assertiveness (decision making) and capability to drive changes
  • Excellent analytical and problem solving skill
  • Ability to efficiently manage time and priorities
  • Client oriented
  • Be a role model, supporting and fostering a culture of good conduct
  • Demonstrate proactivity, transparency and accountability for identifying and managing conduct risks
  • Consider the implications of your actions on colleagues, partners and clients before making decisions, and escalate issues to your manager when unsure.
  • Take responsibility for your team’s conduct and conduct risks.

FINRA Registrations Required: 

Series 99

What’s in it for you

In addition to competitive compensation, we offer flexible benefits including a family and spouse insurance program, a defined contribution pension plan and paid days for volunteering. Hybrid work arrangements, such as remote working up to 50% and flexible working hours are available for most positions. BNP Paribas provides excellent training and personal development programs, as well as opportunities for career development within the company and internationally.

To find out more about our range of benefits, click here

What you need to know

• We will review candidates as they apply, so don’t wait to submit your application; 
• If you are selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources of any accommodations you may require. BNP Paribas will work with you to ensure that you are able to participate fully in the process;
• You must be legally eligible to work in the Greater Montreal area and, if applicable, hold a valid work or study permit. Physical presence in BNP Paribas’ office(s) is an essential function of this position;
• Given the vast majority of our clients, both internal and external, are based outside of Quebec and Canada, specific language requirements may apply. These will be clearly mentioned in the qualifications of the position;

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) at the heart of our commitments

At BNP Paribas all employees are on an equal footing allowing us to create a work environment that values and respects people for their talents, skills and competences.

BNP Paribas recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age, and other protected status (Employment Equity Act and Canadian Human Right Act).

To learn more about our DE&I commitments, click here

About us

BNP Paribas is the top bank in the European Union and a major international banking establishment. Present in 65 countries, with more than 190,000 employees, the bank holds key positions in several areas of banking and financial services.

BNP Paribas’ mission is to contribute to a responsible and sustainable economy by financing and advising its clients according to the highest ethical standards, while striving to respond to essential concerns in terms of the environment, regional development and social inclusion.

Since 1961, BNP Paribas has supported large Canadian companies and institutions in their business development by offering a full range of specialized financial services and investment products.

With over 1,200 employees, BNP Paribas in Canada continues to attract experts from diverse fields as well as ambitious young talent from around the world. We are proud to offer our employees a rewarding and international workplace where they can build their professional careers by honing their skills, meeting challenges and enriching their knowledge of the financial industry.

Our certifications and partnerships

• Montreal Top Employer 2023
• Canada's Best Diversity Employer 2023
• Women in Governance  – Parity certified –  Gold certification
• CCDI Consulting Inc. (Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion)
• Pride at Work Canada
• Rainbow Accreditation issued by Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
• ROSEPH – Grouping of specialized organizations for the employment of persons with disabilities
• IndigenousWorks

Do you want to discover other BNP Paribas offers in Canada?

Click here: BNP Paribas in Canada Our job offers

** Only selected applications that meet the requirements of the role will be contacted **