We are seeking an Identity Verification Specialist to join our compliance team. This role is responsible for authenticating customer identities during onboarding, reducing fraud risk and ensuring adherence to KYC and AML regulations. The ideal candidate will be meticulous, tech savvy and comfortable working with digital identity tools and case management systems.
Identity Verification Specialist Job Profile
The Identity Verification Specialist operates within the compliance or customer onboarding centre and owns identity screening processes from receipt of documentation to final verification. They analyse identity evidence, escalate suspected fraud and maintain audit-ready records.
This role requires strong interpersonal skills for liaising with internal teams and external partners, and the ability to work under firm regulatory timelines. Familiarity with electronic ID verification platforms and sanctions screening is advantageous.
Identity Verification Specialist Job Description
The Identity Verification Specialist will perform detailed checks on proof of identity and address, using a mix of automated tools and manual review. You will validate photographic ID, biometric matches, utility bills and other supporting documents in line with the organisation's risk appetite and legal obligations. Accuracy and consistency are essential, as is the capacity to spot anomalies that suggest synthetic identity or document tampering.
Day to day responsibilities include triaging verification cases, applying appropriate verification rules, and applying enhanced checks for higher risk profiles. You will maintain clear case notes, ensure timely resolution of queries and contribute to continuous improvement by feeding back patterns of fraud or system gaps to compliance and operations leads.
The post requires careful handling of personal data and adherence to privacy standards. You will help to refine verification playbooks, support audits and provide training to colleagues in customer-facing teams to raise awareness of identity risk indicators. The role may involve shifts to cover peak onboarding times and participation in incident response when suspicious activity is detected.
Identity Verification Specialist Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct identity and document verification using automated and manual processes.
- Perform KYC and AML screening for customers and third parties.
- Analyse biometric and facial match results and resolve mismatches.
- Investigate and escalate suspected fraud, synthetic identity and account takeover cases.
- Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with audit requirements.
- Apply risk-based decision making and document rationale for verification outcomes.
- Liaise with customer support, onboarding and compliance teams to resolve queries.
- Review and update verification procedures and playbooks as systems evolve.
- Support sanction and PEP screening processes and remedial actions.
- Assist with training and quality assurance to improve team performance.
Identity Verification Specialist Requirements and Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail and excellent analytical skills.
- Experience in KYC, identity verification or fraud prevention roles.
- Familiarity with electronic ID verification platforms and biometrics.
- Understanding of AML regulations and data protection principles.
- Proven ability to make clear, documented decisions under time pressure.
- Comfortable using case management systems and basic SQL or data tools is a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a fast paced operations environment.
- A relevant qualification in compliance, finance or information security is desirable.
- Willingness to participate in shift patterns if required and to engage in continuous professional development.
