Onboarding KYC Lead (UK Market)

About the role

We are seeking a strategic and driven Onboarding KYX Lead to oversee and evolve Tide's First Line KYC function for new member onboarding. This senior leadership role is critical to ensuring that our onboarding processes are robust, scalable, efficient, and compliant with regulatory expectations in all markets we operate in. As the Onboarding KYC Lead, you'll be responsible for managing large operational teams, driving continuous process improvements, ensuring adherence to KYC and AML standards, and collaborating closely with cross-functional stakeholders including Product, Compliance, QA, and Support. You will lead efforts to scale onboarding operations in our primary market - the UK, with a strong focus on quality, automation, member experience, and risk mitigation.

Requirements

• Lead a high-performing First Line KYC function responsible for all pre-boarding and onboarding activities, including identity verification, business verification, risk profiling, and screening
• Ensure operational execution of Tide's KYC framework during onboarding
• Design and implement efficient and scalable onboarding workflows aligned with regulatory requirements and internal risk appetite
• Partner with Compliance to embed regulatory changes and new requirements into operational processes
• Own and continuously improve onboarding SLAs, quality controls, and operational metrics to deliver high-quality outcomes at scale
• Define and oversee the use of automation, tooling, and data sources to optimize onboarding throughput and accuracy
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering teams to define onboarding requirements and support feature development and rollout
• Maintain strong oversight over headcount, forecasting, and cost control within the function
• Represent the onboarding KYC function in internal governance forums, risk committees, audits, and regulatory interactions
• Drive a culture of ownership, collaboration, compliance, and member-first mindset across all teams under your remit
• At least 5 years of senior leadership experience in KYC, onboarding, or AML operations within Financial Services, Fintech, or regulated sectors
• Strong expertise in KYC onboarding frameworks, member due diligence, business verification, and risk assessment processes
• Experience managing large operational teams, with a proven track record of developing people and building culture
• In-depth knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. UK Money Laundering Regulations, EU AMLD, local licensing obligations)
• A strong understanding of risk typologies relevant to onboarding: impersonation fraud, synthetic identities, shell companies, PEPs, sanctions, etc.
• Demonstrable experience working with Product and Tech teams to implement operational tools, decision engines, and automation solutions
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills - capable of engaging with senior leaders and regulators
• Fluency in English
• A data-driven mindset - confident in using KPIs, MI, and analytics to drive operational performance and decision making
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, scaling business with evolving priorities
• WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN
• Self & Family Health Insurance
• Term & Life Insurance
• OPD Benefits
• Mental wellbeing through Plumm
• Learning & Development Budget
• WFH Setup allowance
• Family & Friendl

Benefits

Additional Information

A BOUT TIDE At Tide, we help SMEs save time and money in the running of their businesses by not only offering business accounts and related banking services, but also a comprehensive set of highly usable and connected administrative solutions, from invoicing to accounting. Tide is transforming the small business banking market and now supports over 2 million members globally across the UK, India, Germany and France. Using advanced technology, all solutions are designed with SMEs in mind. With quick onboarding, low fees and innovative features, we thrive on making data driven decisions to serve our mission: to help SMEs save time and money so they can get back to doing what they love. Tide facts: Tide is available for UK, Indian, German and French SMEs Over 2 million members: 900,000 UK and 1,100,000 in India and growing rapidly Over $300 million raised in funding Over 2,800 Tideans globally Recognised with Great Place to Work certification three years in a row, and among India's Top 50 Best Workplaces in Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance in 2026 We have offices in Central London, with a member support and technology centre in Sofia, Bulgaria, technology centres in Serbia, Romania, Lithuania and Hyderabad and offices in Gurugram, New Delhi, Berlin, Paris and Luxembourg

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