KYC Operations - Senior KYC Specialist

Overview

Copper was founded in 2018 and provides institutional digital asset infrastructure with a focus on custody, collateral management, and prime services. Copper's Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology enables secure custody and connectivity to centralised exchanges, DeFi applications, and staking pools without assets leaving custody. ClearLoop underpins a full prime services offering, enabling trading and settlement from MPC-secured wallets with lightning-fast settlement times and enhanced security. Copper holds strong industry insurance coverage and certifications to safeguard assets.

DEPARTMENT/ TEAM PURPOSE

The KYC Operations team sits within the Client Implementation team of Copper's Operations Department and is responsible for completing and overseeing Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) due diligence on Copper's clients to comply with applicable laws and safeguard against financial crime.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Head of KYC Operations leads the strategic and operational delivery of Know Your Customer processes across the firm, ensuring AML compliance, driving operational efficiency, and enhancing client onboarding and ongoing due diligence experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to continuous improvement of onboarding controls and refine KYC processes and procedures.
• Lead transformation initiatives to improve KYC workflows and client journeys.
• Represent KYC operations in senior governance forums and risk committees.

Operational Oversight

• Ensure KYC and CDD checks are completed in line with Copper's Compliance Policies in each operating jurisdiction.
• Adhere to internal policies and global regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate communications with regulators during audits and reviews in partnership with Compliance.
• Lead the team to implement comprehensive quality checks on onboarding cases.
• Mitigate operational risks and implement robust quality assurance processes.
• Collaborate with Compliance and Risk teams to align on regulatory expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal partners and senior leadership.
• Act as the primary interface with regulators during audits and reviews.
• Support client communications and manage KYC-related escalations.

Team Development

• Coach and develop high-performing KYC professionals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and compliance excellence.
• Implement training frameworks and career development pathways.

Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in KYC/AML operations within financial services.
• Proven leadership of a KYC team.
• Deep knowledge of global financial crime regulations and KYC standards.
• Excellent KYC and CDD subject-matter knowledge with 3-4 years managing a team onboarding institutional clients.
• Strong understanding of the UK Money Laundering Regulations, EU Fifth Money Laundering Directive, and global sanctions regimes.
• Interest in Crypto, Fintech, and Financial Services.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a qualified university.

BENEFITS

We offer an exciting, challenging role in a fast-growing, dynamic business with career opportunities and a welcoming working environment.

• Paid Time Off - Minimum 35 days per year, inclusive of annual leave and public holidays; one additional day per year of service.
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance - Dental, optical, audiology, and mental health coverage with medical history disregarded.
• Life Insurance
• Enhanced Pension Contributions - Enhanced employer matching.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

Copper is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunities in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are a Disability Confident Employer; please let us know if you have a disability. If you require assistance during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will accommodate.

When you apply, your personal data will be collected and processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with our Data Privacy Policy. Your information may be transferred to Greenhouse Software Inc. in the United States to manage recruitment processes. Data processing is governed by applicable data protection laws and our privacy notices.