Job Description
Job Objectives
- To oversee and manage the merchant onboarding process, ensuring all merchants meet Unified Payments’ risk management standards and regulatory requirements.
- This includes identifying potential risks, conducting due diligence, and ensuring merchants align with compliance, antimoney laundering (AML), and fraud prevention standards.
Duities and Responsibilities
Merchant Risk Assessment & Due Diligence:
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for new merchants to evaluate financial stability, operational risks, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Ensure that the merchant onboarding process is in line with AML and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
- Perform background checks and due diligence investigations to assess potential merchant risks.
- Review merchant documentation and contracts to ensure they meet regulatory, legal, and company standards.
Compliance and Regulatory Management:
- Ensure that all merchants comply with internal policies, local regulations, and relevant industry standards.
- Work with regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders to ensure the merchant onboarding process adheres to compliance guidelines.
- Identify and escalate any compliance risks that may arise during the onboarding process, ensuring prompt resolution.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes, AML laws, and other compliance requirements affecting merchant onboarding.
Risk Management & Mitigation:
- Develop and implement risk management protocols specific to merchant onboarding.
- Monitor merchant risk profiles throughout the onboarding process, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
- Collaborate with the Enterprise Risk Management team to address any risks identified during merchant onboarding.
- Work closely with internal departments (e.g., legal, compliance, IT) to ensure a seamless onboarding process with adequate risk controls in place.
Ongoing Monitoring & Reporting:
- Conduct regular monitoring of onboarded merchants to ensure continuous adherence to compliance requirements and risk management practices.
- Prepare and present risk reports related to merchant onboarding for senior management and key stakeholders.
- Support the audit process by providing necessary documentation and reports for internal and external audits.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient merchant onboarding processes and risk management.
- Communicate with merchants regarding risk management requirements, ensuring a clear understanding of compliance expectations.
- Serve as a point of contact for merchant inquiries related to the onboarding process and risk management guidelines.
Requirements
Education:
- University degree in finance, risk management, business administration, or a related field.
Professional Memberships (Mandatory):
- Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP) or equivalent is preferred.
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS) or equivalent certification is an added advantage.
General Experience:
- A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in risk management, merchant onboarding, or compliance roles, preferably within financial institutions or the payments industry.
- Strong understanding of AML, KYC regulations, and fraud prevention practices.
- Experience in conducting due diligence and risk assessments during the merchant onboarding process.