AML/ KYC Quality Assurance Lead, Digital Asset Banking

Western Alliance Bank • Phoenix, AZ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The AML/KYC Quality Assurance Lead is a first line of defense (1LOD) control role responsible for establishing, executing, and enhancing the quality assurance (QA) and control testing framework across onboarding, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring activities within Digital Asset Banking (DAG). This position ensures that client onboarding and lifecycle management activities are conducted in accordance with Bank policies, BSA/AML regulatory requirements, and internal risk appetite. The role partners closely with Financial Crimes Compliance (FCC), Operations, and business stakeholders to identify control deficiencies, support remediation efforts, and maintain an audit- and exam-ready operating environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in AML/KYC, compliance, or control testing within a regulated financial institution
• Demonstrated experience in KYC file reviews, including CIP, CDD, and EDD
• Experience supporting regulatory examinations, internal audits, or control remediation efforts
• Strong knowledge of: BSA/AML regulatory framework, KYC requirements (CIP, CDD, EDD), OFAC and sanctions compliance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Experience supporting high-risk client segments, including fintech or digital asset businesses
• Familiarity with real-time or high-velocity transaction environments

Nice To Haves

• Professional certifications such as CAMS or CRCM is preferred

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain a formal AML/KYC QA program covering: Customer Identification Program (CIP), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), Ongoing monitoring and periodic review processes
• Execute risk-based QA testing of onboarding and KYC files to assess completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policy and regulatory requirements
• Develop and maintain QA methodologies, testing scripts, and scoring frameworks
• Identify control gaps, documentation deficiencies, and process inconsistencies through QA reviews
• Perform root cause analysis and partner with stakeholders to develop corrective action plans
• Track remediation activities and ensure timely resolution of issues, including audit and regulatory findings
• Support prevention of repeat findings through control enhancement and process standardization
• Develop and deliver QA reporting and metrics, including: QA results and pass rates, Error trends and systemic issues, Process quality indicators
• Maintain complete and auditable documentation of QA activities
• Support internal audit reviews, regulatory examinations, and FCC oversight activities
• Ensure onboarding and monitoring activities align with: Bank policies and KYC standards, BSA/AML, OFAC, and sanctions requirements
• Partner with FCC and business stakeholders to incorporate regulatory updates into QA frameworks
• Support development and maintenance of procedures, job aids, and control documentation
• Act as the primary QA liaison between DAG (1LOD) and FCC (2LOD)
• Partner with Operations, Product, and Technology teams to improve data quality, workflow efficiency, and control execution
• Provide feedback to onboarding and relationship teams to enhance documentation quality and process consistency
• Identify opportunities to enhance onboarding quality, reduce rework, and improve operational efficiency
• Support training initiatives based on QA findings and control themes
• Promote a culture of strong risk management and control discipline

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Ownership stake in the company
• Medical and dental insurance
• Time off
• Great 401k matching program
• Tuition assistance program
• Employee volunteer program
• Wellness program
• Opportunity to bolster business knowledge, learning the ins and outs of how successful companies operate and manage their finances, giving you invaluable hands-on experience to help grow your career!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior