At Axepta BNP Paribas, it’s not just about technology and payment solutions but also about the people who shape our company. This time, we spoke with Lieven, who, together with his colleague Sukran, is responsible for the KYC/AML (Know Your Customer/Anti-Money Laundering) operations. Lieven shares with us how his work contributes to Axepta BNP Paribas’ security and his experience within the company.

From Acquirer to AML Expert 

Lieven started his career at Ingenico, where he began in customer service and later focused on transaction management as an acquirer. “I dealt with everything related to transactions, like payments that didn’t go through or invoicing issues,” he explains. But when Ingenico taken over by Axepta BNP Paribas, Lieven had the chance to specialize in a field he had always been interested in: AML. “It was always my goal to become an AML-expert, and the acquisition by Axepta BNP Paribas made that possible.”

A Dual Responsibility: Onboarding and Alerts 

As an AML-expert at Axepta BNP Paribas, Lieven has two crucial responsibilities. On the one hand, he assesses clients onboarded through the boarding team, specifically those classified as medium- or high-risk. “We analyze these clients to determine if there is a potential financial or reputational risk for Axepta. This way, we protect our company from possible negative consequences.” On the other hand, he handles AML alerts that come from suspicious transactions. “We investigate these situations thoroughly and try to act as quickly as possible to mitigate potential risks.”

The Importance of AML within Axepta BNP Paribas 

The role of AMLexperts is vital for the safety and reputation of Axepta BNP Paribas. “We essentially act as gatekeepers,” he explains. “When sales brings in new clients, and they are onboarded by the boarding team, we check whether these clients could pose a risk. This ensures that Axepta BNP Paribas is protected from financial and reputational harm.” Lieven also emphasizes the importance of collaborating with other teams, such as the boarding team. Through smooth communication, they can respond more quickly to medium- and high-risk clients, resulting in a more efficient risk assessment process. “Since June, we’ve been working more closely with the boarding team, and it has made the entire process smoother.”

A Challenging Day at Work 

A typical day for Lieven involves analyzing new onboardings and handling AML alerts. “We’re growing as a company, so we’re seeing new clients to assess daily,” he says. Additionally, about 70 alerts are processed weekly. While the days often follow a similar structure, the diversity of cases keeps Lieven’s work engaging. “Each suspicious transaction is different, and that investigative aspect of my job is what I enjoy the most.”

Growth, Atmosphere, and Fulfillment 

What does Lieven appreciate most about his job? The investigative work and the ability to make a real impact. “It’s satisfying when we can identify a client who doesn’t align with our values or who may be committing fraud,” he says. He also values the growth opportunities within Axepta BNP Paribas. “The company continues to grow, which offers many opportunities to develop further and take on new roles.”

Finally, the culture at Axepta BNP Paribas plays a major role in Lieven’s positive experience. “Axepta BNP Paribas feels like one big family. Everyone knows each other, and the distance between colleagues is small, making collaboration easier. It’s really the people that make my job even more enjoyable.”