KYC Analyst

About Us:

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited (ZBUK) is a subsidiary of Zenith Bank PLC, the most profitable bank in Nigeria with an established trajectory of superlative performance, as well a strong pedigree of innovation, resilience, and market dominance. On an annual basis, Zenith Bank PLC amasses a string of notable awards; one of the most recent being listed as the sole Nigerian brand on the World’s top 100 companies in 2023 by the World Finance Magazine.

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited (ZBUK) was set up with a clear strategy to leverage trade and investment flows between Nigeria and Europe, by providing intermediary banking services and facilities for trade-related working capital and capital expenditure.

Zenith Bank recognizes the importance of leveraging a highly skilled workforce to achieve its strategic and operational goals. The bank is committed to providing an environment that is conducive for effective performance by availing all staff the necessary learning opportunity. We value the well-being of our staff and we encourage them to strike a balance between their work and personal lives, thereby creating a healthy atmosphere for personal development and career success.

With the introduction of new services here in the UK and our unparalleled knowledge of business with Africa, our 5 year strategy ensures “Controlled Growth” as we aim to become the Bank of choice for businesses wishing to transact in the African continent.

Role Overview:

KYC Analyst responsible for reviewing, assessing, and remediating customer files, transactions, and risk indicators to ensure compliance with Anti‑Money Laundering (AML), Counter‑Terrorist Financing (CTF), and broader financial crime regulations. The role focuses on identifying gaps in existing customer due diligence (CDD/KYC) files, performing enhanced due diligence (EDD) where required, and ensuring all remediation activities meet regulatory and internal policy standards.

Role Responsibilities:

• Review and update KYC/CDD files to ensure completeness, accuracy, and alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Customer Identification and Verification: Collecting, verifying, and authenticating identification documents for new and existing clients. This includes individuals and corporates (beneficial ownership, source of funds/wealth)
• Conducting transaction analysis as part of the review of remediating customer files
• Conduct relevant screening where applicable to ensure the remediating customer file is complete
• Identify missing documentation, outdated information, or inconsistencies in customer profiles.
• Perform EDD reviews for high‑risk customers, including PEPs, high‑risk jurisdictions, and complex corporate structures.
• Conduct risk assessments on customer accounts using internal risk models and regulatory guidance.
• Investigate unusual activity and escalate potential suspicious behaviour.
• Draft and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) where required (depending on jurisdiction and role seniority).
• Ensure all remediation actions are logged, documented, and auditable.
• Maintain accurate records in case management systems.
• Liaise with CDD team or relationship managers to obtain missing information.
• Apply knowledge of AML/CTF regulations (e.g., UK Money Laundering Regulations, JMLSG, FATF guidance).
• Ensure remediation work aligns with internal policies, risk appetite, and regulatory expectations.
• Work closely with Compliance, Financial Crime, Operations, CDD and Front Office teams.
• Provide clear explanations of remediation requirements to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to process improvements.
• Customer Risk Assessment (CRA): Performing risk profiling on clients to determine their money laundering exposure.
• Alert Investigation: Investigating flagged activity by reviewing customer records and internal/external data.
• Escalation: Escalating AML matters and/or suspicious activity to the MLRO or CCO for potential Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Strong understanding of AML/CTF regulations and KYC/CDD standards.
• Experience with remediation projects, periodic reviews, or onboarding specifically in Higher risk jurisdictions like West Africa, BVIs
• Familiarity with screening tools (e.g., Accuity, LexisNexis).
• Ability to interpret corporate structures, UBOs, and complex ownership chains.
• Strong investigative mindset with the ability to identify red flags.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to assess customer risk and apply judgement in ambiguous situations.
• Clear written communication for drafting case notes and SAR narratives.
• Ability to explain regulatory requirements to stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Excel and general data handling.

Academic and Professional qualifications

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent
• Compliance or AML related qualification desirable

Language and Numeric skills

• Needs to have an excellent command of the English language with strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to communicate effectively across all levels. A numeric aptitude is desirable.

This is a temporary 6 month Fixed Term Contract position, paying up to £60,000 based on experience.