APAC Regional DPO & Privacy Governance Director

The Japan Research Institute, Limited (Singapore Branch); Singapore; On-site; SGD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) invites a seasoned Director to lead regional DPO coordination and governance across APAC from Singapore. You will partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Technology, and business units to embed robust privacy controls and reporting.

You will drive PDPA compliance, oversee PIAs, and manage cross-border data transfer governance while guiding country DPOs and engaging regulators as needed.

Qualifications

• 12+ years’ experience in data privacy, governance, compliance, risk management, or related disciplines.
• Significant regional leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of Singapore PDPA and APAC privacy regulations.
• Experience in banking or highly regulated industries.
• Certifications such as CIPP/A, CIPM, CIPT, CDMP, CISSP, CISA, CRISC are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional data privacy governance framework across APAC.
• Coordinate country DPOs for consistent privacy controls.
• Act as regional SME on Singapore PDPA and APAC privacy regulations.
• Monitor regulatory developments and drive compliance programs across jurisdictions.
• Oversee PIAs and privacy risk assessments and remediation initiatives.
• Establish governance for cross-border data transfers and third-party data processing.
• Lead privacy incident and regulatory reporting and escalation.
• Deliver privacy reporting and insights to senior management.
• Drive privacy awareness, training, and a culture of data protection across the organization.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Technology, and stakeholders on privacy initiatives.

Skills

Data privacy

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law/Information Systems/Risk Management/Business

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) invites a seasoned Director to lead regional DPO coordination and governance across APAC from Singapore. You will partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Technology, and business units to embed robust privacy controls and reporting.

You will drive PDPA compliance, oversee PIAs, and manage cross-border data transfer governance while guiding country DPOs and engaging regulators as needed.