Head of Distribution Risk

Manulife; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international financial services provider is searching for a seasoned leader to head the first line of defence function in Singapore. The role focuses on ensuring compliance and risk governance across sales channels. Candidates should have 10-15 years of experience in life insurance and strong knowledge of MAS regulations. The position emphasizes leadership and the ability to drive change in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Opportunities for career growth

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in life insurance with exposure to sales distribution management.
• In-depth knowledge of MAS FAA regulations and FAIR principles.
• Proven track record in managing conduct risk investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of a sales conduct governance framework.
• Monitor sales conduct metrics and identify risks.
• Ensure compliance with MAS regulations and company policies.

Skills

Leadership

Sales distribution management

Risk governance

Compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management or related discipline

Job description

We are looking for a seasoned leader to head the first line of defence (Line 1B) function for our insurer‑tied FA channels, Manulife FA and Manulife Advisory Group (MAG). This role ensures that all sales and advisory activities are conducted with integrity, professionalism and full compliance with MAS regulatory expectations and company policies. The position also oversees the Training and Competency (T&C) team and provides independent governance and risk oversight, partnering closely with Sales Heads, Compliance and Risk to strengthen sales discipline, conduct standards and fair dealing outcomes.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of a robust sales conduct governance framework aligned with MAS Notices, Fair Dealing Guidelines and company risk appetite.
• Monitor and analyze sales conduct metrics including replacement ratios, early lapse rates, persistency and customer complaints.
• Own and enhance the Manulife sales advisory process; chair Sales Advisory Governance Committees to review conduct risks, disciplinary actions and sales practice trends.
• Ensure accountability for sales process controls including pre‑sale checks, documentation and supervisory sign‑offs.
• Oversee conduct risk self‑assessments, incident management and timely escalation of breaches.
• Interpret MAS regulations (FAA, AML/CFT, PDPA, FATCA/CRS) and translate them into actionable guidance for sales leaders.
• Enforce company policies on product suitability, replacement, switching and vulnerable client handling.
• Drive closure of audit compliance and regulatory findings related to sales practices.
• Champion a culture of professionalism, ethics and fair dealing across all sales channels.
• Collaborate with the T&C team to deliver conduct training and awareness programs, embedding expectations into performance management and KPIs.
• Provide advisory support on complex conduct cases and lead thematic reviews and surveillance using data analytics to detect emerging risks.
• Act as liaison between Distribution and Compliance/Risk, ensuring alignment on governance matters and representing the channel in regulatory and industry forums.
• Lead and develop a specialist team of governance managers and conduct officers, building capability in risk identification and advisory judgment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management or a related discipline.
• 10–15 years of experience in life insurance with strong exposure to sales distribution management, compliance or risk governance.
• In‑depth knowledge of MAS FAA regulations, FAIR principles and LIAS distribution governance standards.
• Proven track record in managing conduct risk investigations and governance frameworks within an insurance environment.
• Demonstrated leadership influencing and change management capabilities.

When you join our team

• Well empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
• Well recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well‑being and inclusion are more than just words.
• As part of our global team well support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. At Manulife/John Hancock we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process contact .

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Required Experience

Director