Head of Compliance & MLRO

PeopleLAKE Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR solutions provider in Singapore seeks an experienced Compliance Officer to oversee compliance, AML/CFT, and data protection duties. The successful candidate will develop and implement a Compliance Management Framework and act as the primary regulatory liaison with authorities. Ideal candidates possess over 10 years in compliance within financial services, non-negotiable knowledge of Singapore's regulatory landscape, and strong leadership and stakeholder management skills. Competitive compensation offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive compliance experience in financial services.
• Non-negotiable expertise in Singapore's regulatory landscape.
• Proven track record as a regulatory liaison and in building compliance frameworks.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, ACFCS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Compliance Management Framework.
• Serve as the primary regulatory liaison with MAS.
• Design and enhance the end-to-end compliance framework.
• Conduct compliance risk assessments and provide reporting to stakeholders.

Skills

Compliance management

Regulatory understanding

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Data protection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related field

Tools

Compliance Management Framework

KYC/EDD standards

Job description

The Role

You will be entrusted with the full spectrum of compliance, AML/CFT, and data protection responsibilities. Your mandate is to develop, implement, and own a robust, scalable Compliance Management Framework that not only meets but exceeds regulatory expectations under the PSA and other relevant legislation. You will act as the de-facto Chief Compliance Officer, MLRO, and Data Protection Officer, serving as the primary regulatory liaison and a key advisor to the Board and senior management.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Strategy & Licensing: Act as the primary point of contact and liaison with the MAS, managing all aspects of the regulatory relationship.
• : Own and drive the MPI license application process to its successful conclusion, coordinating all submissions, responses, and engagements.
• : Translate complex regulatory requirements (PSA, FSMA, MAS Notices) into clear, actionable business policies, processes, and technological controls.
• : Maintain a comprehensive regulatory horizon-scanning function to anticipate and prepare for new regulations.

Compliance Framework & Governance

• Design, implement, and continuously enhance the end-to-end Compliance Management Framework and related policies (AML/CFT, Sanctions, ABC, PDPA).
• Conduct periodic compliance risk assessments, control reviews, and gap analyses, ensuring effective remediation.
• Provide clear, concise reporting to the Board and senior management on compliance status, risks, and regulatory developments.

AML/CFT & Financial Crime Oversight (as MLRO)

• Serve as the appointed Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).
• Build and oversee the entire AML/CFT program, including KYC/EDD standards, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and suspicious activity reporting.
• Conduct Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessments (EWRA) and ensure all systems and processes are calibrated to the company’s risk profile.
• Serve as the central point for liaising with law enforcement and regulatory bodies on financial crime matters.

Data Protection & Privacy (as DPO)

• Fulfill the statutory responsibilities of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) under the PDPA.
• Develop a robust data privacy governance framework, ensuring alignment with both PDPA and MAS Technology Risk Management guidelines.
• Advise on data privacy by design in new products and initiatives, and manage data incident response protocols.

Advisory, Culture & Leadership

• Provide trusted, pragmatic compliance advice to all business units on product launches, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing compliance team, scaling the function in line with business growth.
• Champion a pervasive culture of compliance and ethical conduct through company-wide training, engagement, and clear communication.
• Represent the company in relevant industry forums and associations.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive compliance experience within heavily regulated financial services, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within fintech, payments, or digital banking.
• Non-negotiable expertise in Singapore's regulatory landscape: deep, hands-on experience with the PSA, MAS AML/CFT regulations, PDPA, and FSMA. Prior experience with an MPI license application is highly advantageous.
• Proven track record as a primary regulatory liaison (MAS) and in building or significantly transforming a compliance framework.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA, ACFCS) are strongly preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field.

Skills & Attributes

• Architect & Builder: Ability to design scalable systems and frameworks from a blank slate, not just manage existing ones.
• Practical Translator: Exceptional skill in converting regulatory text into efficient, business-pragmatic processes and technical requirements.
• Resilient Leader: Proactive, hands-on, and thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment where you must set the direction.
• Influential Communicator: Excellent stakeholder management abilities, with the credibility to advise senior leadership and engage constructively with regulators.
• High Integrity: Unquestionable ethics and a commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.

Please be informed that only shortlisted candidate will be notified.

For more information, you may reach out to Jamie at her email at [e-mail] or WhatsApp her at [phone]

PeopleLAKE is a full-service HR solution company providing Recruitment, HR Outsourcing, and Corporate Training. eLawyer Recruitment is part of PeopleLAKE Group.

Visit us on https://peoplelake.asia/ follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplelakegroup to get updates on latest job opportunities or for legal jobs visit on https://elawyer.com.my/ and follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/agensi-pekerjaan-els-sdn-bhd/