COO & Head of Operations

CFA Institute; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,400,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client is a top-tier bank seeking a Head of Ops to lead and manage the Hong Kong operations. The role covers business unit strategies, risk controls, KYC and credit administration, IT transformation, and change management across HK and Asia.

Strong regulatory knowledge and 15+ years' experience are required. The candidate will drive daily operations, ensure compliance with MAS and UAE Central Bank regulations where applicable, and participate in senior management meetings to strengthen risk

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, including at least 7 years in head of operations/COO roles
• Strong knowledge of banking processes, products, treasury and market activities
• Well-versed in HKMA guidelines and regulatory requirements
• Excellent project management skills with ability to translate concepts into concrete processes
• Fluent in English and Chinese (Mandarin) in written and spoken form
• Regional exposure and experience would be a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee HK operations, providing strategic guidance to achieve Asia strategy
• Ensure smooth daily operations in trade finance, loans processing, treasury, and funds transfer
• Oversee KYC onboarding activities, periodic reviews, and account administration
• Ensure timely processing of transactions, facility documents, and SLA adherence
• Supervise outsourced operations to maintain controls and SLA compliance
• Participate in EXCO, BRCC, and relevant risk/compliance meetings
• Coordinate with HO Digital teams to drive digital transformation in HK
• Support risk management initiatives and BCM/VRM activities

Skills

Operations management

Risk management

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

People leadership

Bilingual English/Chinese

Education

Post-graduate qualification (CA/MBA/CFA)

University degree

Job description

Our client is a top-tier international bank looking to hire a Head of Ops to lead and manage the operations of the Hong Kong business.

Responsibilities

Business Unit Strategies

1. In conjunction with COO - East Asia, and working closely with other business units to execute strategic plans.
2. Contribute and support in the development and expansion of the bank

Operations Risk control

1. Owns its risk exposures and is required to maintain effective processes and systems to manage its risks including robust and comprehensive internal controls and documented procedures.
2. Provide independent oversight of risks, including setting risk limits and protecting against non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
3. Evaluates the overall effectiveness of risk management and control environment and continually improves the current processes and systems

Operations, KYC and Credit Administration

1. Lead and oversee the operations department in HK by giving strategic guidance and directions.
2. Ensure smooth daily operations in the areas of trade finance, loans processing, treasury operations, and funds transfer.
3. Ensure smooth delivery of customer onboarding activities, including KYC, periodic review, account opening and administration
4. Ensure smooth functioning of credit administration activities.
5. Ensure timely and accurate processing of business transactions, preparation of facility documents and limit implementation as per the agreed SLA.
6. Oversee the outsourced operations to ensure no breaches of controls and/or SLA.
7. Actively participate and contribute in the monthly EXCO, Branch Risk & Compliance Committee (BRCC) and other meetings as required.
8. Actively participate and contribute to the International COO workshop, International COO Forum and International Functional Alignment meetings

Projects and Technology

1. Manage and ensure timely delivery of projects assigned from a business user perspective.
2. Oversee IT department to ensure the IT strategy and deliverables support the business goals
3. Coordinate with HO Digital teams to formulate digital strategy and to lead the digital transformation for Hong Kong.

Risk Management

1. Ensure strict compliance to regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines in daily conduct of business operations, in particular to ensure strict compliance with all applicable MAS and UAE Central Bank regulations, besides regulations of other geographies where Singapore office transacts business.
2. Strive to achieve zero financial losses and near misses arising from operations lapses.
3. Ensure that all internal processes and infrastructure are robust and effective taking into consideration effective risk management and controls.
4. Ensure that all audit findings are successfully closed with recommendations implemented within the agreed completion deadline.
5. Work closely and support First and Second Line of Risk's initiatives to strengthen the risk profile of the branch
6. Oversee and ensure fulfilment of Business Continuity Management (BCM) activities within COO teams and Vendor Risk Management (VRM) activities for the branch.

Project and Change Management

1. Work with business units, drive and deliver transformation programmes bringing together all changes, projects, and work streams into a holistic approach to support the implementation of Asia strategy.
2. Identify the business requirement for key projects or change management initiatives which need to be implemented in HK / Asia, taking into consideration of internal and external customers' business needs.
3. Review the business case of projects/initiatives by analysing the cost/benefit and thereafter provide the appropriate recommendation to senior management for approval.
4. Review project and change initiatives related documents such as project plan, progress reports, milestones, variances in performance and provide relevant inputs and support to the teams in order to ensure smooth execution and eventually successful implementation of these projects.
5. Resolve any discrepancies / variances in the project plan and budgets or highlight them to Group Head of Operations (HO) and CEO (SEA) in order to ensure all issues are resolved in a timely manner.

Requirements

1. Minimum 15 years of relevant working experience, of which at least 7 years as head of operations/ COO with reputable financial institutions.
2. University degrees with appropriate post-graduate qualification(s) (e.g. CA/ MBA/ CFA) or a qualified qualification.
3. Strong knowledge of banking, processes, products, treasury and market activities.
4. Well awareness of HKMA guidelines and other regulatory requirements.
5. Strong project management skills and ability to translate desired business concepts to actual processes for Implementation.
6. Proficiency in written & spoken of both English & Chinese (Mandarin).
7. Self-starter, strong supervision and interpersonal skills.
8. Strong powers of articulation and presentation required both in the preparation of policies / procedures, strategies & presentation of the same to Senior Management.
9. Regional exposure and working experience would be a plus.

Interested candidates please send in your updated resume by clicking "Apply" to the role.