APAC Privacy Lead Counsel

WISE ASIA-PACIFIC PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial technology firm based in Singapore is seeking a talented privacy expert to lead regional privacy initiatives. This role involves implementing a global privacy transformation program and ensuring compliance with APAC data protection laws. You will work closely with various teams to design privacy-focused products and oversee compliance for APAC entities. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in privacy law and is adept at managing projects and navigating regulatory environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years privacy experience at a top-tier law firm or in-house.
• Experienced in handling privacy inquiries, complaints and incidents.
• Experience in privacy by design and data protection impact assessments.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating privacy-related contracts.

Responsibilities

• Champion the global privacy transformation program in APAC.
• Collaborate with teams to design privacy-focused products.
• Advise on privacy aspects of platform partnerships.
• Oversee compliance for APAC entities.
• Assist with global and regional audits of privacy compliance.
• Keep up-to-date with evolving regulatory requirements.
• Support implementation of AI Governance framework.

Skills

Excellent project management skills

Strong understanding of APAC privacy laws

Excellent written and verbal skills in English

Problem solving attitude

Ability to drive and deliver projects

Education

Admitted to practice law in at least one APAC jurisdiction

Job description

Are you passionate about privacy and eager to tackle exciting challenges?

Our Global Privacy team, a vital part of our legal tribe, ensures that Wise upholds the highest standards for protecting our customers' privacy and data security. We're looking for a talented and enthusiastic privacy expert to lead our APAC regional privacy projects in Singapore.

In this role, you'll be instrumental in designing innovative privacy solutions for our products, working closely with our brilliant business and engineering teams. You'll also partner with our legal, compliance, and risk teams to support new projects and partnerships, ensuring privacy compliance is seamlessly embedded across the APAC region. Being based in Singapore will allow you to provide essential local time-zone support and collaborate directly with other members of the Wise Legal team in APAC.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Championing Privacy: Localize and implement our global privacy transformation program throughout the APAC region.
• Innovating with Impact: Collaborate with business and engineering teams to design and launch cutting‑edge products for the APAC market, ensuring privacy is built-in from the start.
• Strategic Partnerships: Advise on the privacy aspects of Wise platform partnerships and agreements with banks and financial institutions, including contractual arrangements.
• Global Growth: Support our expansion efforts as we launch Wise products and services in new jurisdictions.
• Regional Oversight: Oversee privacy compliance for our APAC entities and contribute to reporting for regional oversight committees and entity boards.
• Audit Support: Assist with periodic global and regional audits of privacy compliance within Wise.
• Staying Ahead: Keep up‑to‑date with evolving regulatory requirements in the APAC region and translate them into practical business solutions.
• AI Governance: Support the implementation of Wise's AI Governance framework, monitor emerging AI regulations and guidelines in APAC, and help drive associated regulatory changes.

Qualifications

We're looking for a proactive, influential, and clear communicator who thrives in dynamic environments. You'll be comfortable navigating ambiguous situations, making swift judgment calls, and paying close attention to detail. Excellent project management skills are a must, along with a knack for collaborating across teams to find practical solutions.

• Minimum of 8 years privacy experience at a top‑tier law firm or in‑house
• Strong understanding of APAC privacy, data protection and data security laws
• Experienced in handling privacy inquiries, complaints and incidents.
• Experience in privacy by design and data protection impact assessments
• Experience in dealing with regulators in APAC on privacy matters.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating privacy related contracts and developing compliance and auditing frameworks
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English
• Admitted to practice law in at least one APAC jurisdiction
• A problem solving attitude, with the ability to use regulation together with data to drive business decisions
• Ability to drive and deliver projects from inception to completion, timely and with attention to detail
• Experience (or interest) in working in a fast‑growing environment.