AFC Governance & Strategy Manager (m/f/d) - Vice President Level

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives.

We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA?

We’re looking for an AFC Governance & Strategy Manager (m/f/d) for our Financial Crime Compliance Department to join our team in either Frankfurt am Main or Düsseldorf.

The Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) Governance & Strategy Manager (m/f/d) is essential in supporting the development and execution of the AFC strategy across SMBC’s business in the EU, ensuring robust governance, regulatory compliance, and effective project management and oversight.

Main tasks among others are:

• Support in AFC-related projects, define governance structures, track initiatives, and drive process improvements through stakeholder collaboration.
• Support AFC strategy development, annual planning, and reporting to senior management including committee preparation and FCC report consolidation.
• Maintain a consistent AFC policy framework and ensure alignment across entities.
• Develop and integrate key indicators and dashboards for management reporting and regulatory alignment.
• Assist with internal/external audits, monitor findings, and ensure effective oversight through structured reporting.
• Manage FCC SLAs, assess outsourcing risks, maintain service inventories, and track performance metrics.

Business Area

Financial Crime Compliance Department

Position Description

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Strategic Planning, Coordination and Reporting

• Support the Head of AFC Governance & Strategy with the strategical development and enhancement of the SMBC EU AFC framework.
• Support the development and execution of the annual AFC Plan.
• Assist with Internal and external audits and monitor the processing of findings.
• Prepare committee meetings and report to the MLRO and Management to ensure effective oversight and decision-making. This includes the consolidation of FCC reports from branches and subsidiaries to provide comprehensive updates for senior management and Tokyo head office.
• Create and update dashboards to enable visibility and support decision-making.
• Oversee and conduct Tokyo head office reporting processes, ensuring data accuracy and consistency across entities.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and feedback from branches and subsidiaries.

Policy Management

• Update and maintain a consistent AFC policy governance framework.
• Oversee policy development, maintenance, and alignment across entities.

Project Management

• Provide operative project leadership and define governance structures.
• Track and coordinate AFC-related initiatives, ensuring timely escalation of critical issues.
• Act as action owner for assigned tasks, ensuring accountability and timely delivery.
• Proactively identify inefficiencies in intercompany workflows and propose process enhancements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to implement solutions, ensuring improved accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency in processes.

KPI/KRI Framework & MI Reporting

• Develop and track FCC relevant key performance indicators (KPI), key risk indicators (KRI), and management information (MI).
• Design and maintain dashboards for senior management reporting.
• Ensure integration of KPI/KRI/MI with regulatory updates and committee packs.

Outsourcing & Third-Party Risk

• Develop, implement, and monitor FCC SLAs, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Maintain an inventory of AFC-relevant outsourced services.
• Identify and assess AFC risks in outsourcing and third-party engagements.
• Assess and define KPIs associated with FCC SLAs to measure and report on performance and adherence.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Sufficient working experience and exposure within the financial sector, or adjacent industries, and preferably within AFC, Compliance, or Audit.
• Proven familiarity with international corporate and investment banking operations and German AFC requirements.
• Strong knowledge of German and International AFC regulations and standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address conflict and difficult issues in a professional, assertive, and proactive manner.
• Ability to prioritize independently, multitask, and maintain flexibility in fast-paced changing environment.
• Good organizational and project management skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
• University degree (law, business, economics), banking apprenticeship or equivalent.
• Good written and verbal communications skills in German and English.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!