IS AML KYC a difficult job?

Money laundering has a negative impact on the global economic, political, and social systems. Combating “money laundering” is important not only for protecting banks’ financial health, and the concern is not only about illegal money entering the financial system, but also about limiting the widespread use of banking systems by supporters and financiers of terrorist activities around the world. The goal of AML/KYC is to reduce or eliminate the negative effects of money laundering on society.

In this blog, we will know if AML KYC is a challenging job along with the roles and responsibilities that you are required to carry out. We will also look at some career opportunities available in this field!

IS AML KYC a daunting Job?

It’s primarily a preventative function, sifting through a large number of leads generated by big data. It’s a good field to work in, with plenty of opportunities for advancement. However, more senior positions in it involve a lot of responsibility, which some say is not commensurate with how much they earn, and most positions favor existing knowledge over qualifications.

There are occasional entry-level positions available, so keep an eye out – KYC remediation projects may consider training up candidates. Investigate ICA or ACAMS certification. An advanced certificate is an excellent way to establish yourself in the field. Here are some of the responsibilities –

Responsibilities

Your investigation could include the following:

• Assess risk appropriately when making business decisions, demonstrating particular concern for the firm’s reputation and protecting Citigroup, its clients, and assets by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, adhering to Policy, exercising sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct, and business practices, and transparently escalating, managing, and reporting control issues.
• Thoroughly investigating alerts while managing and prioritizing caseload Contact required teams/banks to obtain customer information relating to alerts received while adhering to strict controls.
• Work with the Relationship Management and Compliance teams to update system information from the beginning of a KYC record until it is approved, and report workflow progress to the supervisor.
• To ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in KYC records and Customer Identification Program (CIP) documents, validate it.
• Check that KYC records adhere to local regulatory requirements as well as Global Business Support Unit (BSU) standards. Keep the BSU tool.
• Perform required training and stay current on policy changes to ensure that you are properly trained and skilled to carry out your duties.
  Ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with the established processes, procedures, and control framework.
• Management should be informed of any opportunities to improve processes, procedures, or controls.
• In collaboration with the Relationship Management and Compliance teams, assist with the preparation, development, due diligence, and approval of the electronic Know Your Client (KYC) record and supporting appendices.
• Make and keep KYC records using information from internal and external sources (firm website, regulatory websites, etc.)

You might be wondering what are the career requirements, Let us look at that –

Career Requirements: Scope and Learning

Every other bank is heavily investing in its AML-KYC teams in order to meet the government’s stringent regulations. A career in AML-KYC has numerous future opportunities, as advances in technology such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are expected to transform the automation and digitization of processes and customer experience.

Required Qualifications and Certifications:

A suitable candidate would have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, law, or a related field, though any graduate with the necessary skillset is accepted for relevant positions. If the candidate does not have a Bachelor’s degree, years of relevant professional experience may be substituted. Certifications in AML/KYC/Compliance are in most cases required and unquestionably advantageous.

Job-Required Qualifications:

Although it is a finance and banking-related job, an AML-KYC career requires a thorough understanding of technological tools. Candidates must be able to comprehend and master the use of compliance software for transactions, reporting, and monitoring. They must have analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, as well as attention to detail, communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to learn quickly, and knowledge of business statistics and general business terms.

Relevant work experience and/or internship opportunities would help potential candidates boost their CVs and make a strong case for that dream job.

Let us now look at some job roles that you can look forward to –

Forensics Manager

A Forensic Manager is in charge of the Forensics and Evidence Division’s laboratory units. They have direct supervision over first-line Forensic Supervisors, Criminalist Supervisors, and/or individual contributors. They also screen, treat, and manage clients, as well as research and recommend supportive services to them.

Average Salary: INR 3.5 Lakhs per year

KYC Analyst

A KYC Analyst is responsible for reviewing all documentation for new accounts. They basically assess high-risk accounts and scrutinize all processes and policies. These professionals play an important role in the company. If you are a graduate looking for a job as a KYC Analyst, you can expect exciting career and growth opportunities in the financial services industry.

Average Salary: INR 3.7 Lakhs per annum

Compliance Specialist

Starting a career in compliance is an exciting, rewarding, and varied experience. These professionals ensure that all applicable laws, regulations, and policies are followed by organizations. They are also in charge of monitoring and documenting compliance activities, providing compliance advice to leadership and management, and communicating with government agencies. Furthermore, if you want to work in compliance, this is the best path for you.

Average Salary: INR 4.2 Lakhs per year

Anti Money Laundering Manager

An AML Manager works to make suspicious activity investigations easier and more effective. Furthermore, they combine cutting-edge technology and an easy-to-use, data-rich interface with effective prevention and detailed tracking tools. These professionals are in high demand by MNCs across the country. The reason is they work on risk management and reporting suspicious activities.

Average Salary: INR 5.1 Lakhs per year

Last Words

A good understanding and knowledge of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) standards is thus required for bank and financial institution employees to remain competent and relevant in the ongoing fight against money laundering. Thus, upgrading one’s skills is critical for better job opportunities. The Vskills Certified AML-KYC Compliance Officer certification aims to improve the quality of compliance with RBI guidelines in combating illegal operations and the movement of funds through banking channels.