Do you remember school days? You spent hours writing an essay, making sure the structure was right. But in the end, the grade often depended on whether the teacher liked it or not. 🎓
That is precisely how KYC feels for many Relationship Managers.
We collect data, explain business models, and document every detail. We built the “essay” about our client. Then, it goes to Compliance for review. And here is the familiar moment: 👉 One Compliance Officer approves it quickly with a smile: “All good, go ahead.” 👉 Another reviewer reviews the same KYC file and sends it back with red notes, questions, and requests for more detail.
Same KYC. Different result.
Why? Because Compliance Officers are humans. Like teachers, they bring their own views, standards, and sometimes even moods into the process. Some prefer short and precise answers. Others want every detail explained. It is not only about rules. It is also about interpretation. And interpretation is always human.
So what can we take away?
- ✅ KYC is not just a checklist – it is people working with people.
- ✅ No process can ever be 100% mechanical, because humans are not machines.
- ✅ A bit of empathy between RM and Compliance makes everything easier.
At the end of the day, the KYC “essay” is there to protect the bank, the client, and the financial system. When your “essay” comes back full of red notes, remember: even teachers correct with their own style. 😉
KYC is not only about rules. It is about humans making decisions. ❤️
Do you think this sounds familiar to you? Share your KYC “essay” stories in the comments 👇
Source: LinkedIn
