KYC Specialist

We are looking for an experienced KYC professional to play a key role in defining and embedding the UK KYC program within our Compliance team. This position combines hands-on operational delivery with the opportunity to contribute to program design, standards, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the definition, design, and ongoing development of the UK KYC program, ensuring alignment with global standards and UK regulatory expectations.
• Deliver day-to-day KYC operational activities, including case handling, escalations, quality assurance, and process adherence.
• Identify gaps in the current UK KYC framework and support enhancements to policies, procedures, controls, and workflows.
• Partner with Compliance, Legal, Operations, and business stakeholders to help translate regulatory requirements into practical program elements.
• Support the development of program documentation, training materials, and internal guidance to embed consistent KYC standards across the UK.
• Monitor relevant UK regulatory developments and assess their potential impact on the KYC program.
• Contribute to global KYC initiatives while ensuring UK-specific needs are represented.
• Act as a subject-matter resource and point of escalation for complex KYC matters.
• Track and report on operational performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to the Global KYC Program Lead.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of direct experience in KYC, CDD/EDD, or financial crime compliance within a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory requirements relating to KYC/AML (including FCA expectations and relevant legislation).
• Experience contributing to KYC program design, framework development, or process improvement initiatives.
• Solid hands-on operational KYC experience with the ability to step up and support program-level work.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and a practical approach to operational and control issues.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a global program structure.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience in a second-line Compliance or Financial Crime function.
• Prior involvement in enhancing or supporting KYC programs across jurisdictions.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, or equivalent).

Compensation and Benefits:

£63,000 - £83,000 GBP Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at xAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.