Customer Onboarding Specialist, Small Business Banking
EQ Bank
Customer Service
Toronto, ON, Canada
Posted on Aug 23, 2025
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Customer Onboarding Specialist to join our growing AML operations team. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting thorough due diligence reviews of clients at on-boarding to ensure compliance with internal AML requirements. You will play a crucial part in identifying potential money laundering risks, escalating suspicious activity, and supporting the company's efforts to maintain a strong anti-money laundering (AML) program.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of AML regulations, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
The Work !
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Conduct CDD and EDD on clients and transactions to assess the risk of money laundering or other financial crimes. Perform open-source search checks, analyze customer information including documentation, and verify sources of funds as necessary.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluate and categorize clients based on risk factors, such as geographical location, industry, and customer profile according to internal risk scoring methodology and guidance. Maintain up-to-date records of risk assessments and adjust them as necessary.
- Escalate Suspicious Activity: Review and analyze money laundering, terrorist financing and sanctions evasion red flags and potential suspicious activity that may require further investigation by the AML Compliance team.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stay current with evolving AML regulations and industry best practices. Ensure that the company’s AML due diligence procedures and controls comply with internal AML requirements.
- Reporting and Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of all due diligence activities, client interactions, and investigative reports. Prepare reports and provide recommendations for internal audits and regulatory inspections.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, such as legal, operations, and risk management, to ensure a cohesive approach to anti-money laundering efforts. Provide guidance and training to staff on AML procedures and policies.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Contribute to the enhancement of the AML compliance program by identifying inefficiencies and recommending improvements to policies, procedures, and systems.
Let's Talk About You !
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Criminal Justice, or a related field. AML or compliance certifications (e.g., ACAMS, ICA, or similar) are a plus.
- Experience: At least 2 years of experience in an AML compliance or due diligence role, preferably within the financial services industry (banking, insurance, fintech, etc.).
- Knowledge: Working knowledge of regulatory requirements for AML/ATF and sanction risk, industry best practices and/or organizational goals for AML/ATF typologies; essential).
- Excellent analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to assess complex data and identify risks.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under pressure.
- Proficient in the use of AML software and databases
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate findings and recommendations.
- Advanced Excel skills specifically ability to create macros and v-lookups
- Ability to organise and compile data to produce metric reports;
- Strong organizational skills, demonstrates ability to prioritize assignments, projects and multi-task within restricted time constraints;
- High ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to compliance issues.
- Ability to adapt to evolving regulations and organizational needs.
- Experience with sanctions and politically exposed persons (PEPs).
- Knowledge of data privacy regulations and how they intersect with AML compliance.
- Familiarity with transaction monitoring systems, screening tools, and other compliance software platforms.
Skills:
Additional Attributes:
Preferred Qualifications: