Head of Trust & Bank Trustee

Selby Jennings; Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Singapore is seeking a Head of Trust to oversee the Trust Services division, ensuring fiduciary excellence and compliance with regulations. The role requires strong leadership to manage a team and client relationships for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Candidates should have over 12 years of experience in trust administration, knowledge of Singaporean laws, and excellent interpersonal skills. This position offers the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the trust business.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in trust administration.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Singapore trust law and fiduciary standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Trust Services team.
• Act as a senior contact for key clients.
• Ensure compliance with MAS regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Risk management

Operational oversight

Multilingual capabilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, or related field

STEP qualification

Job description

The Head of Trust will lead the Trust Services division, overseeing the administration, development, and compliance of trust structures for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). This role is critical in ensuring fiduciary excellence, regulatory compliance, and the strategic growth of the bank's trust business in Singapore and the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead and manage the Trust Services team, ensuring high standards of client service and operational efficiency.
  • Develop and execute the strategic direction of the trust business in alignment with the bank's private banking goals.
  • Represent the trust business in internal committees and external industry forums.
• Client Relationship Management
  • Act as a senior point of contact for key clients and intermediaries.
  • Provide expert advice on trust structures, estate planning, and fiduciary solutions.
  • Support relationship managers in structuring bespoke trust solutions for clients.
• Risk & Compliance
  • Ensure full compliance with MAS regulations, FATCA, CRS, and internal policies.
  • Oversee risk management processes, including KYC/AML, due diligence, and periodic reviews.
  • Maintain robust governance and control frameworks.
• Operational Oversight
  • Supervise the administration of trust accounts, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to trust deeds.
  • Oversee documentation, reporting, and audit processes.
  • Drive process improvements and digital transformation initiatives.
• Team Development
  • Mentor and develop trust officers and managers.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
  • Ensure succession planning and talent retention.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, or related field; STEP qualification preferred.
• Minimum 12+ years of experience in trust administration, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Singapore trust law, international fiduciary standards, and cross-border estate planning.
• Proven track record in managing HNWI/UHNWI client relationships.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and jurisdictions.
• Multilingual capabilities (especially Mandarin or regional languages) are a plus.