Head of Compliance & Governance (Insurance/Banking/Financial Services)

Location: BGC

Work Setup: Hybrid

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday | Morning Shift

About the Role

The Head of Compliance & Governance serves as a strategic 2nd Line of Defense (2LoD) leader and direct deputy to the Head of Compliance. In this role, you will lead the promotion, monitoring, assessment, and execution of the organization's Compliance Risk Management Framework across all local entities and operating units.

This is a pure compliance, regulatory, and governance leadership role focused on delivering robust monitoring and testing, regulatory engagement, market conduct oversight, and driving compliance modernization through technology and automation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive Deputization & Department Leadership

• Deputize for the Head of Compliance at senior management meetings, Board/Committee sessions, and industry association meetings as delegated.
• Support leadership in fostering a strong compliance risk culture across the 3 Lines of Defense model and providing credible challenge to business operations.
• Manage and mentor direct reports, overseeing workload distribution, performance, and professional development.

2. Program Oversight & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee enterprise compliance programs covering Financial Crime (AML/CTF, Anti-Bribery & Corruption), Market Conduct, Privacy, Fraud, and Regulatory Compliance Management.
• Monitor local statutory requirements (Insurance Commission, AMLC, NPC) and track applicable global/regional institutional standards.
• Prepare and submit regular, high-impact compliance reports to local regulators, Executive Management, and Regional/Corporate leadership.

3. 2nd Line Monitoring, Testing & Advisory

• Supervise the execution of 2LoD Monitoring & Testing reviews, delivering objective challenge and actionable advice on business practices.
• Partner with product, business, and operational teams to design compliant procedures, systems, and controls for financial products (life insurance, mutual funds, trust).
• Conduct compliance training and educational programs across the organization.

4. Modernization, Automation & RegTech

• Identify and implement AI, automation, and digital RegTech solutions to streamline regulatory reporting, process monitoring, and risk analytics.
• Transition manual compliance tracking routines into scalable, data-driven workflows.

Candidate Qualifications & Skill Requirements

Experience & Education

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required. A CPA certification, Juris Doctor / LLB degree, or relevant post-graduate credentials are advantageous.
• Experience: 7+ years of dedicated compliance management experience within the insurance, asset management, trust, or broader financial services sectors.

Technical & Functional Expertise

• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of Insurance Commission (IC), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and National Privacy Commission (NPC) frameworks.
• 2LoD Oversight: Proven track record in monitoring and testing execution, regulatory reporting, and framework implementation.
• Product Knowledge: Solid grasp of life insurance, mutual funds, and asset management principles.
• RegTech & Automation: Practical experience or strong aptitude for leveraging technology, data analytics, automation tools, or AI in compliance operations.