Olga Balaban: Fortunate to work in a field that is always changing and growing

I am a Regulatory Specialist at KYC (know your customer) Reviews Center and I have been with SEB for almost four years. I have a positive mindset and can execute difficult tasks. I’m not an individual who needs to be micromanaged. Rather, when given a specific task, I like to figure out the best ways to solve the problem in an autonomous manner. While I’m an optimistic person, I am also realistic about the current situation and how satisfactory or unsatisfactory it is. I am determined to do well in my job and am determined to have a successful career and make the company I work for more competitive. 

How did you start working at SEB?

My journey at SEB started four years ago when I moved from Ukraine to Latvia. Before SEB I worked for two years as a Senior Risk Analyst in a Canadian e-commerce company and my main task was implementing and maintaining effective risk management strategies to mitigate potentially fraudulent activity. I started my career at SEB as a Bank operations specialist in Fixed Income Trade Support Team in 2018 and I worked there till September 2020. I got acquainted with how the bank works daily, and it was a great opportunity to get to know your clients and business partners as well as an excellent possibility for professional development and growing through continuous feedback and coaching. 

Could you explain what are your daily tasks and responsibilities?

I am working in the KYC area for almost two years. I changed the position from Fixed Income since it is more related to my initial field of education. For banks KYC check is a mandatory process for identifying and verifying the client's identity when opening an account and periodically over time. In other words, banks need to make sure that their clients are genuinely who they claim to be.

-    working with KYC and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes.
-    ensuring that AML (anti-money laundering) requirements are met.
-    analysis and review of the regulatory information on SEB Group’s clients worldwide.
-    building a strong network inside the organization by solving issues and gathering information.
-    performing functions of SEB Global Services (Riga) Ambassador for SEB New York branch.
 

Why did you choose to work at SEB?

At SEB you constantly develop your talent through everyday learning and with the support from your colleagues. If you perform well, SEB gives you excellent career opportunities. SEB is a global organization; thus, you are in contact daily with your colleagues from different countries, with a possibility for travel when necessary. I also see the value of wellness benefits and a healthy lifestyle for me as an employee. 

To me the most satisfying thing about my job is that it provides flexibility. I support companies which give the option to be flexible (not abusing it) and have the trust that the employee can get the job done.

Please tell us what is your favorite part of your job?

I love that there is always something new to learn. I am passionate about learning new things, and I consider myself very fortunate to work in a field that is always changing and growing.

But my favorite thing about my job is the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues. They are always super motivated and a constant inspiration to me.

What are your career goals and aspirations?

For now, I am not certain how my path will look like in the future but given the fact that my current role as a KYC Analyst is an essential component of the anti-money laundering program, this position provides many prospects for professional development. AML / KYC is an excellent area, and it will continue to be an excellent career path in the future.

How do you relax after work and what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

After I leave the office, I like to go dancing, now in the summertime it is usually outdoors. I have been dancing since a young age and recently I discovered dancing bachata with my husband. Also, I like to stay in shape by doing different sport activities and fitness. In the summertime I enjoy spending time with friends outdoors, perhaps on a terrace somewhere and in winter it would be playing board games. I have a very large friend group so it’s always fun when we get together.

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