AML/KYC Quality Control - Associate

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.

Duties and 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

Qualification, 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)