Assistant Vice President - Sustainability Planning Team (Risk and Compliance)

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

Job Responsibilities

• This role is mainly responsible for independently assessing and embedding environmental and social risks into APD credit decisions, while liaising closely with Head Office functions such as Credit and Planning to ensure policy alignment, consistent risk judgement, and appropriate escalations.
• Lead ESDD due diligence for complex and high-risk transactions, identifying key risks and defining mitigation measures.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on environmental and social aspects of customer transactions in line with the Bank’s guidelines and procedures.
• Support the implementation and integration of E&S risk management frameworks and policies into transaction assessment processes.
• Support sustainability KPI management in the region – including evaluation, monitoring, forecasting etc.
• Provide hands-on support for sustainability-related working groups, forums and committee meetings helmed by the team.
• Provide support on internal business units-led sustainability initiatives and collaborating with the business units in enhancing the Bank’s sustainability communication through all available channels.

Job Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in sustainability, sustainability strategy, ESG risk management, sustainable finance, or closely related fields.
• In-depth understanding of sustainability, ESG and environmental risk topics, international reporting standards and frameworks, regulatory trends in Asia and Japan, as well as industry best practices.
• Relevant academic studies in sustainable development, sustainable and green finance, environmental management, law etc.
• Excellent analytical, judgement, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesise complex issues for senior audiences.
• Prior experience within a financial institution would be an advantage, preferably with exposure to regional or international banking operations.
• Proven ability to lead through influence in a matrixed, regional environment.
• Fluency in English. In addition, Business‑level Japanese language capability for this role would be preferred due to frequent interaction with Japan‑based regulators, government policy materials, and Head Office control functions. The incumbent is expected at times to document regulatory interpretations, maintain formal records in Japanese, and support structured escalations and consultations to executive management and relevant Head Office departments.  
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Teams.