Vice President, Private Wealth Compliance Officer (Securities)

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.

This is a dual hatted role and will entail reporting to the Team Lead of Private Wealth Compliance in Nikko Securities and Team Lead of Compliance Team in SMBC Singapore.

Job Responsibilities :

• Provide advice to Private Wealth Business Unit and other stakeholders on regulatory matters including but not limited to investment suitability, licensing/ RNF matters, cross-border compliance, Personal Account Dealing, handling of MNPI, regulatory requirements involving SFA, FAA, PB Code of Conduct and other general compliance matters to ensure adherence to internal policies & procedures.
• Perform gap analysis on new regulations, regulatory changes, MAS’s Information Papers that impacts the Private Wealth Business.
• Assist in the implementation of new regulatory requirements and ensure adherence to these requirements for Private Wealth Department by assisting to update the relevant policies and procedures, controls etc.
• Conduct Monitoring & Testing reviews on various regulatory obligations including but not limited to as investment suitability, cross-border compliance, personal account dealing, gift & entertainment, email/ phone surveillance, market abuse etc.
• Perform Private Wealth Compliance Self-Assessment reviews and work with the relevant stakeholders to address gaps identified.
• Perform quality checks for AML/ CFT/ Sanctions: KYC onboarding, periodic review, clearance of alerts in screening and monitoring tools.
• Work with the other team members in maker/checker tandems, on KYC/ AML matters (where required).
• Assist to perform reviews of parameters and functionalities of KYC/ AML monitoring systems (where required).
• Prepare compliance meeting materials/ minutes and management reports.
• Conduct compliance training and carry out any ad-hoc compliance task/ project.

Job Requirements

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in compliance within a private bank, wealth management firm, or financial institution
  - Strong working experience to general compliance frameworks, including advisory, monitoring, and policy implementation
  - Experience supporting front office activities in a private banking or wealth management environment is preferred
• Education
  - Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, Accounting, or a related discipline
  - Professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA, CFA, or equivalent) would be an advantage
• Regulatory Knowledge
  - Strong understanding of relevant regulatory requirements and guidelines, including:
  - Anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT)
  - Cross-border regulations and suitability requirements
  - Client onboarding, KYC and due diligence standards
  - Conduct and sales practices applicable to private banking
  - SFA/FAA requirements
• Familiarity with local regulatory expectations (e.g., MAS guidelines) and global standards

• Key Competencies
  - Attention to Detail, ability to review complex client structures, transactions, and documentation with a high degree of accuracy
  - Strong focus on identifying inconsistencies, gaps, and potential compliance risks
  - Capability to assess issues pragmatically and provide practical, risk-based solutions
  - Able to balance business needs with regulatory expectations
  - Strong analytical skills to interpret regulations and apply them to real-world scenarios
  - Ability to challenge assumptions and escalate concerns appropriately
  - Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal
  - Ability to interact confidently with stakeholders, including relationship managers, senior management, and regulators
  - Able to translate regulatory requirements into practical guidance for the business
  - Ability to identify, assess, and monitor compliance and conduct risks
  - Experience in performing risk assessments, surveillance, and thematic reviews
  - Good judgment in evaluating risk appetite and escalation thresholds