Head of Client Onboarding

Über den Job

At Leonteq, we are a leading player in the financial industry, renowned for our innovative approaches, our commitment to excellence and our entrepreneurial spirit. Our organisational values people together, passion, dedication, quality and expertise are our guiding north star.

We are looking for an experienced and driven Head of Client Onboarding. In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and continuous development of the client onboarding, KYC, and AML framework, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements while enabling business growth.

You will act as a key interface between Compliance, Front Office Departments, and senior stakeholders, combining strong leadership with deep regulatory expertise.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead, manage, and develop the global Client Onboarding & KYC team, fostering a strong performance, risk-aware, and collaborative culture.
• Take overall ownership of client onboarding, KYC due diligence, and AML processes, including assessments of PEPs, high-risk clients, and complex structures.
• Define, implement, and continuously enhance onboarding and KYC/AML policies, procedures, and controls in line with regulatory requirements (AMLA, AMLO-FINMA, CDB 20, FinSA, FinIA).
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Front Office Departments and senior management on onboarding, KYC, and AML-related matters.
• Oversee and approve complex onboarding cases and escalations, ensuring consistent and risk-based decision-making.
• Prepare and review internal assessments, risk analyses, and management reporting related to onboarding and KYC activities.
• Plan and oversee reviews and quality assurance activities within the onboarding/KYC scope.
• Lead and sponsor projects, including new business initiatives, process optimisation, and implementation of new tools or systems.
• Ensure effective management of client documentation and lifecycle processes in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits related to onboarding/KYC, including preparation of materials and coordination of responses.
• Monitor regulatory developments and ensure timely implementation of new requirements impacting client onboarding.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Degree in Law, Compliance, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (preferably from a Swiss university or a Swiss University of Applied Sciences).
• 7+ years of experience in the financial industry in Compliance, Onboarding/KYC, Audit, or Consulting, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
• Strong and hands-on knowledge of Swiss financial market regulations, in particular AMLA, AMLO-FINMA, CDB 20, FinSA, and FinIA.
• Proven people management and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to interact with senior management and Front Office.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to balance regulatory rigor with business pragmatism in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English and German (written and spoken).
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.