Head of Compliance, Singapore Branch

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

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Singapore seeks a Compliance Manager to oversee regulatory compliance and support business management. The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of compliance experience within the banking sector, strong knowledge of Singapore’s banking laws, and excellent analytical skills. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with regulations, advising on new initiatives, and managing relationships with regulators. This position offers a dynamic environment for professionals committed to high ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of compliance experience in a bank or financial regulator.
• Strong familiarity with Singapore's banking and capital markets environment.
• Proficient in trade surveillance and regulatory reporting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with local and international regulatory requirements.
• Provide advice on regulatory impacts and review new business initiatives.
• Oversee AML frameworks and monitor compliance with market conduct.

Skills

Regulatory and compliance knowledge

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Customer-oriented

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Laws

Tools

Compliance systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Purpose & Objectives

• Assist and support business management in identifying, assessing, measuring and mitigating compliance risks.
• Provide reasonable assurance that the Bank and its employees comply with applicable laws, regulations, internal rules and ethical standards within the context of corporate governance.
• Handle regulatory issues related to business partners and ensure appropriate management escalation.
• Manage relationships and develop mutual understanding with the regulators and monitoring authorities with respect to compliance matters.
• Work closely with business partners to broaden and deepen their knowledge and behaviour on business and industry specific regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the Bank’s full compliance with all applicable local and international regulatory requirements, with a specific focus on Singapore's banking and capital markets laws and market conduct rules.
• Provide advice and support to business units and management with regard to potential regulatory impacts of relevant laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Participate in reviewing new business/product initiatives and provide compliance clearance for new product launches, specifically for OTC derivatives and notes, fixed income and equities, to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Monitor compliance with market conduct requirements, including insider trading, market manipulation, conflict of interest and wall-crossing procedures.
• Oversee the end-to-end AML framework including KYC documentation, transaction monitoring and screening to ensure compliance with relevant anti-money laundering and sanction regulations.
• Prepare and update policies and procedures in line with Group Policy and with regard to local laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Deliver targeted compliance training programs to relevant staff on changes and development of laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Ensure business activities are properly licensed and all relevant staff are properly registered with regulators as appropriate.
• Monitor key compliance issues and ensure prompt escalation to senior management or designated committee.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators for any regulatory enquiries and compliance related issues.
• Manage all inspections, thematic reviews and regulatory reviews conducted by regulators and ensure accuracy and timeliness in all regulatory reporting, filings and self-assessments.
• Manage a robust compliance testing and monitoring program to ensure internal controls are functioning as intended.
• Participate in any other ad hoc projects as required.

Qualification & Experience

• Degree holder in Finance, Accounting or Laws.
• Minimum12 years of compliance experience in a bank, securities company or financial regulator, with strong familiarity with the Singapore banking and capital markets environment.

Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements in relation to banking and capital markets business.
• Well-versed with banking services and financial products.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to apply regulatory knowledge to practical business situations.
• Proficient in compliance systems and tools used for trade surveillance, personal account dealing, and regulatory reporting
• PC literacy (Microsoft Office including word, excel and powerpoint)

Language

• Proficient in written and spoken English

Other Skills (e.g. Interpersonal, Communication etc)

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Customer-oriented.
• High integrity and ethical standards, with sound judgment in risk-based decision-making.
• Well-organized, self-driven, and capable of managing multiple priorities under pressure.
• Ability to work in a matrix reporting structure, multi-functional and cross-cultural environment.
• A team-oriented mindset with leadership potential.