Jobs › Northern Trust

Senior KYC/Enhanced Due Diligence (Global), Specialist

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $114,700–$194,900 a year

Posted Aug 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about an assurance review you ran that found a real control weakness. What happened next?

What they are checking: Whether they can find issues and drive them to real remediation instead of just writing them up.

Tell me about a time you gave advice to the business that they did not want to hear.

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on financial crime risk while keeping a working relationship with the business.

What would you do

A business line escalates a high-revenue client with adverse media you find concerning. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can make a risk call under commercial pressure and route it through proper governance.

You are supporting a multi-year KYC transformation program. What would you watch to make sure controls do not weaken during the change?

What they are checking: Whether they see that transformation periods are when gaps open and know how to guard against that.

About the work

Explain how your work in the second line of defense differs from KYC work done in the first line.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the oversight role of the second line and do not slip into doing the first line's job.

What triggers enhanced due diligence on a client, and what does a strong EDD file contain?

What they are checking: Whether they know the risk factors like PEP status and high-risk jurisdictions and what evidence actually satisfies them.

How do you identify the ultimate beneficial owner of a client held through layered trusts and offshore companies?

What they are checking: Whether they can untangle complex ownership structures typical of wealthy families and institutional clients.

The firm operates across many countries. How do you write a KYC standard that works globally while respecting local rules?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance one global baseline with different local regulatory requirements like UK and US rules.

How do you decide whether a client's risk rating should be raised after periodic review?

What they are checking: Whether they apply a risk rating methodology consistently rather than by gut feel.

How do you keep up with regulatory changes in AML and sanctions, and turn them into policy updates?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real process for staying current and converting change into practical standards.

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The full job description

As published by Northern Trust.

About Northern Trust As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide. With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service. About the Role An experienced Know Your Customer (KYC)/Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) subject matter expert is being recruited in the Global Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) function in the second line of defense to manage and oversee KYC/EDD processes and controls across the firm’s global footprint. The role reports to the Global Head of KYC/EDD and located in London or Chicago. Key Responsibilities: • Managing KYC/EDD activities performed in the second line of defense including KYC policy/standards, advisory, oversight, assurance and resolution of risk issues/escalations • Supporting a multi-year KYC transformation program partnering with the first line of defense to drive enhancements to systems and controls in line with regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and organizational needs • Acting as subject matter expert to support a team of EDD professionals that onboard and perform periodic review of high-risk and complex customer relationships, ensuring effective management of financial crime risks • Providing AML/KYC advice and guidance, and effective challenge as required • Working closely with the first line of defense to drive centralization and efficiency in KYC/ EDD processes and controls, ensuring a globally consistent approach • Ensuring controls are adhered to by business functions in all regions, countries and legal entities across the firm’s global footprint • Supporting regulatory examinations, internal audits, and other assurance testing reviews • Proactively identifying risks and taking corrective action to implement solutions to improve control effectiveness; managing risk issues and escalations • Enhancing reporting on KYC/CDD/EDD and providing regular updates to various governance bodies • Managing multiple projects and meeting timely deadlines Knowledge/Experience The successful candidate will benefit from having: • Significant experience in financial services compliance or risk management; • Significant years of anti-money-laundering (including KYC/CDD/EDD); • Strong knowledge of risk management processes and controls; • Prior experience supporting KYC transformation in a global financial institution; • Knowledge of business(es), products and services. The successful candidate will display; • Strong technical competence and subject matter expertise in KYC/CDD/EDD • In-depth knowledge of applicable FCC-related laws and regulations and ability to apply this to the company’s business • Ability to proactively identify, analyze and manage FCC-related risks • Ability to drive multiple initiatives at the same time and deliver high-quality outcomes • Ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships • Strong teamwork and communication skills Salary Range: $114,700 - 194,900 USD Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component. Work Authorization Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa). Working with Us As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve. Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities. Reasonable Accommodation Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com , or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

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