At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global team in defining procedures for client onboarding and financial crime operations.
- Company: Join Airwallex, a pioneering fintech company transforming global payments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on AI transformation and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of banking with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial services, leadership skills, and knowledge of compliance processes.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About Airwallex
Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 250,000 businesses worldwide with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale.
Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 2,300 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across 27 offices around the globe.
Attributes We Value
We hire successful builders with founder-like energy who want real impact, accelerated learning, and true ownership. Here, you’ll tackle complex, high‑visibility problems with exceptional teammates and grow your career as we build the future of global banking.
Onboarding and FinCrime Operations is a global team responsible for KYC Operations, Name Screening and Transaction Monitoring at Airwallex globally. You will partner closely with 2LOD Financial Crime Compliance (including the MLRO teams), Risk Product and Commercial leaders across our key markets.
What you’ll do:
As the Head of Onboarding and FinCrime Operations, you will lead a global team responsible for defining procedures and delivering operational excellence in new client onboarding and periodic review. You will ensure that Airwallex champions high standards for integrity, judgement and documentation in all aspects of financial crime operations.
Responsibilities:
- Own the vision, strategy and execution for Onboarding and FinCrime Operations
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing globally distributed team, managing capacity to reflect business growth
- Own the location and resourcing strategy of the team, solving for 24/7 coverage, quality of customer experience and cost efficiency
- Create a repeatable & scalable operating rhythm, including clear OKRs
- Take a data-driven approach to performance management
- Strike the right balance between risk, customer experience and commercial impact, ensuring timely, high-quality decision making and communications
- Drive continuous improvement in the quality of procedures, playbooks and control frameworks, aligned to Airwallex financial crime and fraud policies defined by 2LOD and partnering closely with Risk Product and Engineering
- Ensure that Airwallex continues to improve the quality and consistency of documentation
- Lead AI transformation of the Onboarding and FinCrime Operations teams
This role will be based in either London or Singapore.
Proven experience, including senior leadership in large-scale, multi-jurisdiction operations in a regulated financial-services or payments/fintech business.
Deep knowledge of AML/CTF, sanctions, KYC, transaction monitoring and investigations processes and controls and how they map into first-line operations.
Proven track record of scaling FinCrime and/or Onboarding Operations across multiple product lines and geographies, and of building globally consistent performance.
Demonstrated delivery of automation/AI-led transformation in an operations setting (or clear strategic + technical fluency to lead it).
Strong commercial and analytical judgement — comfortable framing decisions in unit economics, scalability and return on investment.
Track record of operating at the Operations-Product-Risk intersection and driving cross-functional outcomes without full reporting-line authority.
Experience managing outsourced / BPO / offshore capacity at scale.
Preferred experience:
- Multi-entity, multi-licence environments
- Comfort with a highly technical, API-first product
- Demonstrable evidence of driving tooling and rule evolution with Risk Product & Data teams
- Experience of AI transformation in Onboarding and FinCrime Operations
- Top-tier consulting or operator-investor background (structured thinking under ambiguity)
- Relevant professional certification (e.g., would be a strong plus)
Applicant Safety Policy: Fraud and Third-Party Recruiters
To protect you from recruitment scams, please be aware that Airwallex will not ask for bank details, sensitive ID numbers (i.e. passport), or any form of payment during the application or interview process. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard color, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status when making our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Operational Resilience Lead/Manager - banking in London employer: Airwallex
Airwallex is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to tackle complex challenges in the dynamic fintech landscape. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from opportunities to lead impactful projects while working alongside diverse teams across the globe. The company's commitment to a risk-aware culture and its emphasis on employee well-being make it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the US and EMEA.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Resilience Lead/Manager - banking in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Airwallex. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Resilience Lead/Manager - banking in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Airwallex.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Airwallex's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airwallex
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Airwallex.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Airwallex will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Airwallex employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
