Head of FCC Frameworks and Advisory - Executive Director

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

As a regulated financial institution, the Bank has an obligation to establish and maintain policies, procedures, systems and controls to mitigate and effectively manage the financial crime risk. The Bank has operations across the EMEA region and is required to consider extraterritorial laws, and accordingly must maintain a coordinated and aligned approach to the framework taking this into account.

The role holder covers all financial crime taxonomies excluding Sanctions and has a multi-disciplinary remit, covering various business areas and geographies.

The role holder is required to have close collaboration with the Regional Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and other Senior Management, Executive/Local Management Committee members, Local Compliance Officers, Money Laundering Reporting Officers, Chief Representative Officers, Head Office Compliance, PD-ITSD and Internal Audit.

The role-holder is responsible for reviewing highly sensitive and confidential information.

The role holder will:

• Be the subject matter expert on financial crime related matters (excluding KYC and Sanctions) and act in an advisory capacity within the second line of defence.
• Further develop and enhance the Financial Crime Compliance framework, including enterprise-wide fraud risk. Ensure the Financial Crime framework remains fit for purpose in according with regulatory expectations including acting upon new and emerging threats/risks, findings (both internal and external) etc.  Make recommendations for, and where appropriate implement improvements to the financial crime systems and controls
• Implement and oversee the delivery and adherence to wider financial crime training.
• To act as the point of contact for the authorities and the regulators regarding money laundering and financial crime issues.

Business Area

Financial Crime Group / Compliance Department EMEA Division

Facts/Scale

• Number of reports/team members: Currently 8
• Main interfaces/relationships: All Financial Crime Groups across EMEA including all MLRO’s. Regular interface with the Regional Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and other Senior Management, Executive/Local Management Committee members, Local Compliance Officers, Money Laundering Reporting Officers, Chief Representative Officers, Head Office Compliance, PD-ITSD and Internal Audit.
• Role holder to provide advice, guidance and support to all the EMEA offices and financial crime teams relating to financial crime compliance matters.
• Monitor UK regulatory and legislative changes ensuring necessary communication and change implementation as required across the EMEA region.
• Represent the Bank at external forums

Position Description

To provide advice and guidance to the London business and support functions as well as EMEA Local office MLROs on financial crime compliance matters.

To provide advice and guidance on the regulatory and legal expectations with respect to financial crime compliance.

To implement frameworks to interdict and mitigate Financial Crime risk across SMBC EMEA, as well as provide advice and guidance on the design and operation of financial crime systems and controls

Management of Financial Crime Compliance service provision to EMEA offices.

To support the RCCO and regional MLROs to develop the regional financial crime strategy.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Analyse and interpret the financial crime regulations and laws across applicable financial crime risk taxonomies ensure compliance to enforce effective management, oversight and implementation of financial crime polices required to meet the legal and regulatory expectations.

Responsible for relevant Financial Crime Policies and Procedures/Standards.

Investigate and escalate breaches of financial crime controls (including employee breaches).

Manage, review and implement recommendations from external / internal audits and risk assessments.

Strengthen the Financial Crime systems and controls function by continued review, development and enhancement of systems and policy / guidance in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practice.

Identify and address any training needs across all departments within the 3 lines of defence framework. Co-ordinate and deliver training on relevant financial crime matters including new and existing systems and controls.

Develop and strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote best practice and ensure a good understanding of financial crime requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Educated to degree level (with a relevant degree) and a professional qualification(s) in financial crime.
• Experience in implementing enterprise-wide Financial Crime risk management frameworks
• Expertise in Financial Crime risk taxonomies including Fraud, AML and CTF including associated investigations.
• Fully conversant with, and working knowledge of, industry practice and tools used to combat fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing and other areas of financial crime.
• Able to provide specific and targeted advice and guidance, subject matter expertise, and to liaise with other stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships are built and maintained.
• Ability to work well under pressure ensuring all deadlines are met, whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail at all times.
• Thorough experience of dealing with financial crime at an international level.
• Experienced decision maker, with the ability to influence and motivate at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Experienced in formal report writing that can be used to communicate policies, procedures, processes and training to a wide-ranging audience whilst being adaptive to needs on a case by case basis.
• Ability initiate and implement changes to improve efficiency.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and work with others to drive change.

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!!