Head Distribution Compliance

Hong Leong Assurance Berhad; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hong Leong Assurance Berhad is seeking a Head of Distribution Compliance to foster a strong compliance culture across all distribution channels. You will drive high standards of market conduct, oversee Anti-Bribery and Corruption programs, and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

The role involves guiding distribution teams on regulatory requirements, reviewing training and materials, and coordinating reporting to EXCO and the Group Board Risk Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in law (LLB), accounting, business administration or related field.
• Professional certification in Compliance or Anti-Bribery management systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance to distribution channels to ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., PDPA, FTFC, Outsourcing).
• Oversee implementation of Anti-Bribery and Corruption policies and whistleblowing procedures; investigate MACC and WPP cases.
• Advise on product compliance and handle customer complaints related to compliance.
• Conduct field visits/mystery shopping for agency roadshows and report non-compliance.
• Review training materials, handbooks, sales materials, and advertisements for compliance.
• Assist with monthly/quarterly compliance reporting and meeting minutes.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Education

LLB / law

Accounting degree

Business administration degree

Compliance certification

Job description

The Head, Distribution Compliance is responsible for fostering a strong compliance culture across all distribution channels, driving high standards of market conduct and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC) oversight in line with the organization's regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Functional (job responsibilities)

• Provide advice and guidance to distribution channels to ensure that they comply with the relevant regulatory requirements, for instances, Management of Customer Information, PDPA, Fair Treatment of Customers, Outsourcing, etc. Assist the Head of Legal on all matters related to the Legal Division as assigned from time to time;
• Oversee and ensure the smooth implementation of the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy System, Anti-Corruption Program, and Whistleblowing Policy and Procedures, specifically tailored for the distribution and sales network; Investigate reported MACC and WPP cases;
• Provide advice and review on product compliance;
• Attend and assist with handling and investigation of customer complaints; provide advice on compliance-related matters with regards to the agent's conduct, as part of the Market Conduct and Fair Treatment of Financial Consumers (FTFC) initiatives of the company;
• Conduct field visits/mystery shopping on roadshows organized by agencies. Prepare field report and identify any incidents of non-compliance for reporting;
• Review, on periodic basis, the agency training materials, handbook, sales materials, advertisements etc;
• Assist with the preparation of monthly and quarterly compliance reports for EXCO meeting and Group Board Risk Management meeting respectively. Assume the role of secretary in the preparation and consolidation of presentation papers and recording minutes of meeting;
• Ensure that ad-hoc tasks are attended and completed without disrupting the daily operational flow of the department;
• Ensure compliance to policies, guidelines, and regulations;
• Perform other duties as delegated by the Management.

Managerial (team/group responsibilities)

• Leads the Distribution Compliance team, develops and transfers skills and knowledge to achieve and exceed goals by establishing accountabilities, clarifying performance expectations, agreeing to high standards and measures, monitoring and reviewing performance, and providing timely and relevant feedback;
• Collaborate effectively with other departments and stakeholders.

Education/Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in law (LLB), accounting, business administration and related experience;
• Professional certification in Compliance or Anti-Bribery management systems is preferred.

Experience/Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience comprising external & internal audit and compliance relevant experience with the insurance industry with proven ability to build a high performing business;
• In-depth knowledge of Anti-Bribery and Corruption legislation, specifically the MACC Act 2009 (Section 17A) and its implications for corporate distribution;
• Prior exposure to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) frameworks (e.g., BNM Policy Documents) is highly desirable to provide high-level technical depth to the compliance function;
• Strong familiarity with the LIAM Code of Ethics and Conduct for the Life Insurance Industry;
• Strategic and organizational agility, excellent execution track record, analytical, negotiation, communication, teamwork and influencing skills.