Both of you should read the criteria that post on "what managers are looking for entry AML/KYC level positions" (page 89). The criteria are true and valid. If you are not even in KYC/AML yet, be humble and have positive attitude. If you are a strong performer, it doesn't matter whether you join corporate banking/private banking, or KYC/AML. You need to learn the basic, build your foundation, and if you are outstanding, people will want you. Your team lead will want to bring you over to whichever business they moved to. With a strong foundation, you can move from corporate to private banking (and vice versa), and you can move from KYC to AML (vice versa).

Think of it like going to a secondary school or JC. Just because you made it to ACS or RI, it doesn't mean that you will be outstanding or a top student. You will still be forced-rank in school, based on your results and performances. It is the same in working environment as well. Whether you join investment bank, be a management associate, or what not, it still depends on how you perform after you get the first feet in. There are people who don't graduate from local university, or didn't manage to join a prestigious bank MA program, but they still managed to excel in their career, simply because they are willing to learn and has a positive attitude. There are many polytechnic students who did significant better than graduates.

Built your foundation first. If you have bad attitude, even if you are a scholar, nobody will touch you in AML or Compliance.