KYC Analyst

About the employer

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited is the UK arm of Zenith Bank PLC, a major Nigerian financial institution known for strong performance, innovation, resilience, and a leading market position. The wider group has received multiple awards, including recognition in 2023 as the only Nigerian brand in World Finance Magazine’s list of the world’s top 100 companies.

The UK business was established to support trade and investment flows between Nigeria and Europe by offering intermediary banking solutions and services for trade working capital and capital expenditure. The organisation also places emphasis on building a skilled workforce, supporting learning and development, and promoting a healthy balance between professional and personal life.

With new services being launched in the UK and deep expertise in African business, the bank’s five-year strategy is centered on controlled growth and on becoming the preferred banking partner for companies transacting across the African continent.

Role summary

The KYC Analyst will review, assess, and remediate customer records, transactions, and risk indicators to help ensure compliance with AML, CTF, and wider financial crime requirements. The position is focused on identifying weaknesses in existing CDD/KYC files, carrying out enhanced due diligence where needed, and making sure all remediation activity meets both regulatory and internal standards.

Key responsibilities

The role covers KYC file remediation, customer due diligence support, risk review, and escalation of potential financial crime concerns.

• Examine and refresh KYC/CDD records so they are complete, accurate, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Verify customer identity by collecting and checking documentation for both individual and corporate clients, including beneficial ownership and source of funds/source of wealth information.
• Review transactions as part of customer file remediation work.
• Run screening checks where needed to ensure the customer profile is fully remediated.
• Spot missing documents, outdated information, or inconsistencies in client records.
• Carry out enhanced due diligence on higher-risk customers, including PEPs, customers linked to high-risk jurisdictions, and complex legal structures.
• Assess customer risk using internal scoring models and relevant regulatory guidance.
• Investigate unusual activity and escalate suspicious patterns when appropriate.
• Prepare and submit Suspicious Activity Reports where required, depending on jurisdiction and seniority.
• Record every remediation step in a way that is traceable, complete, and audit-ready.
• Keep case management systems updated with accurate information.
• Work with the CDD team and relationship managers to collect any missing information.
• Apply knowledge of AML/CTF rules, including UK Money Laundering Regulations, JMLSG guidance, and FATF standards.
• Ensure all remediation work follows internal policy, risk appetite, and regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Financial Crime, Operations, CDD, and Front Office teams.
• Explain remediation requirements clearly to colleagues who may not be technically focused.
• Take part in project meetings and support improvements to processes.
• Perform customer risk assessment activities to understand potential money laundering exposure.
• Investigate alerts by reviewing client records and internal/external data sources.
• Escalate AML issues and suspicious activity to the MLRO or CCO for possible SAR filing.

Skills and knowledge needed

• Good working knowledge of AML/CTF rules and KYC/CDD standards.
• Background in remediation, periodic reviews, or onboarding within higher-risk regions such as West Africa and the BVIs.
• Experience using screening systems such as Accuity or LexisNexis.
• Ability to understand corporate structures, UBOs, and layered ownership chains.
• Strong analytical and investigative approach with the ability to identify warning signs.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Sound judgement when assessing customer risk in uncertain situations.
• Clear written communication skills for case notes and SAR narratives.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements for different stakeholders.
• Confident use of Excel and general data-handling tools.

Qualifications and language requirements

Applicants should be educated to degree level or an equivalent standard. A compliance or AML-related qualification is desirable. Strong command of English is essential, including effective written and verbal communication across all levels. Numerical aptitude is also preferred.

Contract details

This is a temporary fixed-term contract lasting 6 months. The salary is up to £60,000, depending on experience.

Working arrangement

This position is based onsite in the London Area, United Kingdom.