AFC Operations Specialist (f/m/d)

Upvest is on a mission to make investing as easy as spending money. The company empowers businesses to offer a wide range of investment products and the best experience in the field of capital market investment and retirement planning. Upvest’s Investment API is easy to integrate so that fintechs and enterprises alike can save resources and fully focus on their core business.‍

Upvest is one of the few fintechs in Europe that can provide its B2B clients with the full range of investment opportunities in the areas of principal broking business, proprietary trading, and safe custody business for traditional securities. The company was founded in 2017 by Martin Kassing and currently employs more than 180 people across Europe. Its latest €100m fundraising round (Series C) was led by Hedosophia and Sapphire Venture, with continued support from existing investors including Bessemer Venture Partners, BlackRock, Earlybird, HV Capital, Motive Ventures, and Notion Capital.

We currently employ 200+ people across Europe with our headquarters based in Berlin, Germany, and hubs in Tallinn, Estonia, and London, UK. If you're currently located elsewhere but would like to move to Germany, we’re happy to support your relocation.

Your mission

• As an AFC Operations Specialist at Upvest, you'll be at the forefront of our financial crime defense, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding our operations.

• You'll be instrumental in the diligent execution of our first-line of defense processes and procedures, directly contributing to Upvest's robust compliance framework.

• We're seeking an individual with a solid foundation in KYC and AML operations, who demonstrates an unwavering sense of responsibility and the ability to proactively and independently uphold stringent controls.

• Your work will be crucial in ensuring our adherence to all relevant regulations and policies, protecting both the company and our clients.

What you can expect from this role:

This role presents an opportunity to dive deep into the daily operations of Anti-Financial Crime, where your precision and commitment will directly impact our security posture. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Executing and meticulously maintaining AFC procedures and controls, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Conducting thorough Know Your Customer (KYC) sample checks and efficiently managing all subsequent follow-ups with our diverse client base.

• Proactively identifying and processing Politically Exposed Person (PEP) and Sanctions hits to mitigate risks effectively.

• Managing and processing AML-related account closures with accuracy.

• Operating and optimizing our transaction monitoring processes to detect suspicious activities.

• Performing precise proof of residency checks to verify client information.

• Collaborating closely with your AFC Operations Senior Manager and various cross-functional teams to continuously enhance our AML monitoring systems, tools, and technologies.

• Contributing to additional tasks within AFC Operations and network/vendor management as needs evolve.

What You Bring:

• A Bachelor's degree is preferred; relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS, CFCS) are a significant plus.

• While prior experience in KYC/AML Operations within the financial services industry is highly advantageous, we primarily seek individuals with a strong analytical mindset and a passion for compliance. A foundational understanding of AML laws, regulations, and compliance requirements is valued.

• Familiarity with KYC/AML monitoring tools and systems is a bonus, but your ability to quickly master new technologies and analyze data to identify suspicious activities is paramount.

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit, enabling effective teamwork with diverse cross-functional teams.

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical capabilities, allowing you to make sound and precise judgments in dynamic operational situations.

• Good English reading, writing, comprehension and speaking skills are a must.

A Note on This Role:

This is a highly operational and impactful role that thrives on consistent execution of a significant volume of AFC checks. It demands a laser-sharp focus and a genuine passion for analytical and routine tasks. While often similar in nature, each case presents its unique nuances, requiring close attention to detail and a meticulous approach every day.

If you are someone who finds satisfaction in precision, diligence, and ensuring the integrity of financial systems through rigorous daily work, this is a great opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

Why Upvest?

• We're working on solving a hard problem: fixing the European securities financial infrastructure that empowers more people to be able to invest. You have the opportunity to contribute to this change.

• We invest in your growth with a dedicated development budget and plenty of opportunities to advance in your role.

• We take hiring seriously with a strong focus on keeping a high bar when interviewing (equally important is that we hire decent people, who are passionate about their craft and helping us achieve our shared mission).

• While we're not quite fully-remote, we are committed to being a flexible employer, as we understand you don't have to be in the office to do your best work.

• We live a culture of empowerment, trust (that we hire the best people and get out of their way) and openness (there's a greater advantage in sharing information than keeping it to ourselves).

Our values:

• Learn and grow. We aim high to shape our future. We give and request honest feedback knowing that we develop together. Progression over Perfection.

• Team first. We make it easy for others. We value our differences and are open to others' opinions. We win and celebrate together! Team over Egos.

• Own the outcome. Whether we win or we lose, we stand together. We are proactive and get the job done. Outcome over Process.

• Tell the story. We always start with the why. We share knowledge to empower others. Transparency over Complexity.

Upvest is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees

Originally posted on Himalayas