Head Client Lifecycle Integrity

Job Description

As part of its ongoing organisational evolution, Swissquote is creating a new department, the Client Lifecycle Integrity (CLI) Department. Acting as a 1.5 line of defence and independent from the Front Office, the CLI brings together key activities supporting the integrity-related management of private client relationships throughout their lifecycle, from onboarding and periodic reviews to AML transaction monitoring.

In this context, the Head Client Lifecycle Integrity will play a key leadership role in shaping and implementing the new organisation. As a member of Senior Management and Director, the role is responsible for defining the CLI’s strategic direction, establishing an effective and forward-looking operating model, driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence and ensuring the successful integration and performance of its different activities, in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and internal policies. The Head Client Lifecycle Integrity shall in particular have a strong focus on technology enablement, AI-driven optimisation and operational scalability, with a strong client-centric and data-driven approach.

The Head Client Lifecycle Integrity will act as a senior partner to the Executive Management and work closely with the Front Office, Group foreign entities, the Compliance Department as well as technology functions to continuously enhance the Bank’s integrity-related client lifecycle framework.

Key responsibilities:

1. Leadership, Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Lead the CLI, defining its strategy, organisation, governance and priorities, and establishing clear accountability across the department.
• Establish and maintain a strong, risk-based control environment, ensuring that all activities within the CLI’s remit are effective, consistent and compliant with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, internal policies and the Bank’s risk tolerance.
• Provide senior leadership and direction on complex or sensitive cases and operational matters, driving appropriate escalation and decision-making.
• Represent the CLI at Senior Management and in relevant governance bodies, and act as a strategic partner to the Executive Management, the Front Office, Group foreign entities, the Compliance Department and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a senior point of contact for FINMA, auditors and other relevant external stakeholders within the CLI’s area of responsibility.
• Drive high standards, quality and effectiveness across the different CLI activities, supported by appropriate policies, procedures, controls, management information and risk and performance indicators.
• Ensure timely reporting of key risk and performance indicators to the Executive Management and relevant governance bodies.
• Build and develop a high-performing management team and foster a culture of strong control, collaboration and operational excellence.
• Contribute to the preparation of external and internal audits, inspections as well as regulatory reviews.

2. Client Onboarding, Integrity-related Lifecycle Management & AML Transaction Monitoring

• Oversee private client onboarding (incl. with respect to prospects introduced or managed by Group foreign entities), in line with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, internal policies and the Bank’s risk tolerance.
• Oversee integrity-related lifecycle activities, including periodic and event-driven reviews, changes in circumstances, account maintenance, dormant account processes and closures, ensuring compliant and efficient execution. 
• Oversee AML transaction monitoring across all client segments, ensuring effective identification, assessment and escalation of potentially suspicious activities.
• Ensure appropriate risk management and robust governance for complex or high-risk client relationships and transactions, while maintaining effective collaboration with Front Office and the Compliance Department.

3. Process Effectiveness, Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Continuously enhance the effectiveness and scalability of CLI processes, with a focus on optimisation, automation and digitalisation.
• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage technology, data, analytics, workflow solutions and AI to reduce manual activities, improve quality, consistency and risk effectiveness and ensure compliance.
• Establish and monitor appropriate operational and quality metrics to identify performance gaps, assess outcomes and support informed management decisions.
• Work closely with technology functions as well as other relevant stakeholders to deliver sustainable improvements across client onboarding, integrity-related lifecycle management and AML transaction monitoring as well as anticipate and adapt to the evolving client onboarding and lifecycle landscapes.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging teams to challenge existing ways of working and identify practical opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and control effectiveness.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in a leadership position in Operations, Compliance, AML, Risk Management or similar functions within a banking, financial services or fintech environment.
• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Law, Business Administration or equivalent degree.
• Proven track record in process optimisation, automation, digitalisation and operational excellence.
• A relevant certification in project management, process improvement or transformation (e.g. PMP) is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of how data, technology, workflow tools and AI can be used to enhance control effectiveness, decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Strong expertise in client onboarding, KYC/AML, client lifecycle management and AML transaction monitoring, with a broad understanding of related legal and regulatory requirements.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities, particularly when dealing with complex or high-impact regulatory and operational matters.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing large and diverse teams, with a strong track record of building high-performing management structures, developing talent and leadership capabilities, and establishing effective career development and succession planning frameworks.
• Past exposure to Executive Management, regulators, auditors and senior internal stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, sound judgement and professional credibility, combined with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership approach.
• Native French or English speaker, with full professional fluency in the other language.

Additional Information