Head Investor Onboarding
Job Summary
The Head of Investor Onboarding will lead the shareholder services function for hedge funds and private equity, overseeing end-to-end onboarding, AML/KYC processes, and regulatory compliance. This role involves acting as an AMLCO/DMLRO for Cayman Islands funds and driving operational excellence through technology and process improvements. The position requires strong leadership to manage teams and ensure high-quality client experiences across multiple global jurisdictions.
Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end investor onboarding and shareholder services
- Act as AMLCO/DMLRO for Cayman Islands fund vehicles
- Ensure global regulatory compliance (AML/KYC, FATCA, CRS)
- Drive operational excellence and process automation
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Investor Services team
Required Skills
- 15+ years in fund administration/investor services
- 5+ years in leadership/management
- Expertise in AML/KYC, FATCA, and CRS regulations
- Knowledge of alternative investment structures
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Job Details
Responsibilities:
Investor Onboarding & Shareholder Services
- Lead and oversee the end-to-end investor onboarding process for hedge funds, private equity funds and other alternative investment structures.
- Review and approve investor due diligence documentation and perform AML/KYC assessments in accordance with the regulatory requirements of relevant jurisdictions.
- Oversee the processing and approval of investor subscriptions, redemptions, transfers and other shareholder transactions.
- Ensure investor onboarding activities are completed accurately and within agreed service levels.
- Maintain the integrity of investor records and oversee all investor lifecycle events.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients and their investors on shareholder services matters, resolving complex operational issues.
AML / KYC & Regulatory Compliance
- Act as AMLCO and/or DMLRO for Cayman Islands domiciled investment funds where appointed.
- Ensure compliance with applicable AML/CFT legislation, sanctions requirements, FATCA, CRS and other Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) obligations.
- Monitor regulatory developments across multiple jurisdictions and provide periodic updates to management and Boards of Directors.
- Develop, review and enhance AML/KYC policies, procedures and operational controls.
- Prepare, review and submit FATCA, CRS and other regulatory filings.
- Provide operational and regulatory support to the appointed Cayman Islands Principal Point of Contact (PPOC) and Beneficial Ownership (BO) Contact.
- Liaise with regulators, auditors and external service providers.
- Support regulatory inspections, audits and client operational due diligence reviews.
Client Relationship Management
- Build trusted relationships with fund managers, directors, legal counsel, compliance officers, auditors, banking partners and institutional investors.
- Participate in prospective client meetings, operational due diligence (ODD) reviews and fund launch discussions.
- Review fund constitutional documents, offering documents and subscription materials to establish appropriate onboarding procedures.
- Support the successful launch of new hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds, VCCs and other alternative investment structures.
Governance & Operational Excellence
- Establish and maintain a robust control framework for investor onboarding and shareholder services.
- Design, review and continuously improve onboarding workflows, operating procedures and internal controls.
- Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and implement technology solutions.
- Prepare monthly KPI dashboards, operational reports and management information.
- Present periodic operational, compliance and risk reports to senior management and fund Boards of Directors.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of Investor Services professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
- Establish performance objectives, conduct performance reviews and support career development.
- Develop and deliver regular AML/CFT and regulatory compliance training programmes.
Strategic Initiatives
- Develop and execute the strategic vision for the Investor Onboarding function in line with the Company's growth objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives through process redesign and digital onboarding solutions.
- Partner with Fund Accounting, Compliance, Technology, Legal and Business Development teams.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Law, Compliance or a related discipline.
- Minimum 15 years' experience within fund administration, transfer agency or investor services.
- At least 5 years' experience leading and managing operational teams.
- Strong understanding of hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds and other alternative investment structures.
- Extensive knowledge of investor onboarding, shareholder services and transfer agency operations.
- Strong working knowledge of AML/CFT regulations, sanctions screening, FATCA, CRS and AEOI reporting requirements.
- Experience acting as AMLCO, MLRO or DMLRO is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated experience working with regulators, auditors, Boards of Directors and institutional clients.