Head of KYC Operations - EMEA

Posted 10 Days Ago
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Budapest
Hybrid
Expert/Leader
Fintech • Mobile • Payments • Software • Financial Services
Wise is one of the fastest growing fintechs in the world and we’re on a mission to make money without borders a new norm
The Role
Lead the KYC Operations Function ensuring compliance and service quality while managing a large team across multiple locations and aligning operational strategies with business goals.
Summary Generated by Built In
Company Description

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money.
Min fees. Max ease. Full speed.

Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money.

As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money.
For everyone, everywhere.

More about our mission and what we offer.

Job Description

Your mission

Your mission is to lead the KYC Operations Function organization to ensure its compliance and provide instant service with best-in-class quality. And to do this in a scalable, cost-efficient manner, working in partnership with other Wise teams and functions, most prominently with Wise Product  and Compliance. 

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will lead a team of Area Leads and their functional areas to drive strategic direction and operational excellence. You are responsible for setting and executing strategic objectives, building high-performing teams, and ensuring they meet operational and quality targets. The role usually involves overseeing 150+ employees across  multiple locations both Internally and Outsourced, ensuring achieving the organization's mission, and aligning operational strategies with business goals.

Besides, you will be playing a business-crucial role within our Budapest office by being the onsite lead for the team based there, helping them to experience the Wise culture to the highest level.

Qualifications

  • Exceptional verbal and written English communication skills are essential, with proficiency in additional languages considered advantageous. Ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

  • Extensive experience, typically 10+ years, in Operations (preferably KYC/AML, financial crime, compliance, or related fields within the financial services industry).

  • Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably 8+ years, in leading and mentoring large teams, fostering an inclusive and high-performance culture.

  • In-depth expertise and strategic understanding of the regulatory environment and evolving framework surrounding KYC/AML.

  • Proficient in utilizing advanced analytics tools, such as Looker, Superset, or equivalent platforms, to drive data-driven decision-making.

  • Highly punctual, with a strong sense of initiative and a proactive approach to driving strategic objectives and delivering results.

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with strong organizational capabilities. Ability to effectively manage time and thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

  • Expertise in multi-tasking and maintaining accountability in complex and challenging scenarios.

  • Proven ability to identify and address gaps in policies and processes, providing detailed feedback and constructive recommendations through established communication channels.

  • Strong track record of personal ownership and responsibility, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across various teams and levels within the organization.

  • Strategic capability in analyzing team metrics and implementing initiatives to enhance performance and drive key project outcomes.

Additional Information

What we offer

  • Competitive salary

  • Attractive benefit package 

  • Extensive training and self-development opportunities

  • International environment 

  • Beautiful office space in the center of Budapest (Click for fresh content of the Budapest office!)

 

For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders  — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences.
Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.

If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs.

Keep up to date with life at Wise by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Top Skills

Advanced Analytics Tools
Looker
Superset

What the Team is Saying

Lindsay
Surendra
Smrithi
Pavan
Asya
Jennifer
Lauren
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The Company
6,500 Employees
Year Founded: 2011

What We Do

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world's money.

With Wise Account and Wise Business, people and businesses can hold 40 currencies, move money between countries and spend money abroad. Large companies and banks use Wise technology too; an entirely new network for the world's money. Launched in 2011, Wise is one of the world’s fastest growing, profitable tech companies.

In fiscal year 2025, Wise supported around 15.6 million people and businesses, processing over $185 billion in cross-border transactions and saving customers around $2.6 billion.

Why Work With Us

We’re truly global in who we are, how we work, and how we build. Everything we do is centred around creating a world of money that’s fast, easy, fair. And open to all. Everyone who works here owns a piece of Wise, from the work they do, to the stock they hold.

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Wise Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

We expect new joiners in the office most days to build connections and learn from colleagues for their first six months. After that, most Wisers split their working week between the office and home, typically coming in at least 12 times a month.

Typical time on-site: Not Specified
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