Head of Islamic Banking

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.

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION MALAYSIA BERHAD

Job Description:

To lead in managing and enhancing SMBCMY’s Islamic Finance (IF) operation in term of Shariah Advisory, Shariah Secretariat, Shariah Research, Product Development, Islamic Business Support, Islamic Finance Operation, Islamic Training and Strategy. Key liaison person with regulators and associations on matter related to IF. Advising Senior Management, Shariah Committee, Board of Directors of SMBCMY and SMBC or other relevant parties on matter related to IF in SMBCMY.

Job Responsibilities:

1. To lead and manage Islamic Banking Department in SMBCMY on matters related to Islamic Finance, Shariah Audit, Shariah Advisory, Shariah Secretariat, Shariah Research, Shariah Risk and Product Development.
2. To lead and manage Islamic Banking Window (IBW) and International Currency Business Unit (ICBU) operations.
3. To provide lead in Islamic Finance product development and documentation, including coordination with Shariah Advisor, regulators as well as internally.
4. To establish marketing strategy, lead SMBC’s marketing activities in Islamic Finance corporate banking, develop SMBCMY’s client base and promote other products like project finance, sukuk, trade finance, etc.
5. To manage key client relationships and provide Islamic Finance solutions for their financing needs.
6. To lead transaction structuring and execution in Islamic Finance transaction.
7. To coordinate promote Islamic Finance and enhance SMBC’s market presence in Islamic Finance, build corporate relationships and to promote cross border transaction for Islamic Finance.
8. Key contact person on matters related to Islamic Finance.

Job Requirement:

1. Degree or professional qualification in Finance, Banking, Business, Economics, Shariah, or related field.
2. Relevant professional qualification in Islamic Finance is a strong advantage.
3. Minimum 15 years of direct experience in banking of which at least 10 years in Islamic Finance with in-dept understanding of various Islamic Banking product development, documentation and Islamic Finance Operation as well as regulatory issues in Malaysia.
4. Minimum 5 years of managerial and leadership in banking or financial services, especially in Islamic Banking.
5. Strong understanding of Islamic Banking products and concepts, including product development and familiarity with Shariah Governance Framework in Malaysia.
6. Strong track record in Islamic Banking business development, product management, relationship management, or operations.
7. Experience in strategy and P&L management with ability to drive business growth and achieve financial targets.
8. Good knowledge of Financial Services Act 2013 (FSA), BNM policy documents, Shariah compliance requirements and Malaysian Islamic Finance market practices in ICBU and IBW.
9. Accountable for ensuring compliance with FSA, IFSA, BNM regulations, Shariah Governance requirements, and effective management of Shariah Non-Compliance Risk (SNCR), including timely escalation and remediation of issues.
10. Oversee regulatory reporting, regulatory engagements, audit and review findings, and maintain a robust control framework to ensure Islamic Banking activities remain compliant with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
11. Act as the first line of defense for Islamic Banking, ensuring risks arising from products, transactions, and operations (including credit, operational, conduct, reputational, financial crime, and regulatory risks) are identified, assessed, monitored, and managed within the Bank's risk appetite.
12. Strong stakeholder management, including dealing and presentation to Management, Shariah committee, and Board.
13. Strong problem-solving capability to formulate and innovate strategies and solutions to deliver and coordinate the achievement of high-performance results and mission-critical goals.  
14. Able to command good and effective communication with internal stakeholders and working with regional peers to align operations and processes.
15. Possess professional and interpersonal skills to establish good rapport and working relationship with stakeholders which includes ability to interact and communicate well with the regulator/external auditor.  
16. Possess good command of English, proficient in both written and oral communication skill, strong analytical and report writing ability.
17. Ability to multi-task, independent, disciplined, self-motivated, agile, work under pressure to meet deadlines set, and able to work independently with minimum supervision.  
18. Proven leadership and people management skills to manage a team and guide the team to meet objectives of the department.