Public Affairs & Policy Specialist - Assistant Vice President
London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT
SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term
Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.
Purpose of the Role
To support the delivery of SMBC’s Public Affairs strategy in EMEA region by responding to significant public policy and regulatory developments across the UK and the EU. The role will support the Public Affairs team to raise the profile of SMBC among policymakers and regulators and represent the firm among industry associations.
Background and Organizational Context
SMBC is a Global Systemically Important Bank (GSIB) with extensive operations in EMEA and a presence in over 25 locations and entities in the region. Its operations in EMEA have grown considerably in size and complexity over the last 10 years with the addition of new products and business lines with clients spanning multiple industries and geographies.
The regulatory landscape in EMEA is complex and constantly evolving. SMBC’s business model has had to adapt to Brexit and other recent regulatory developments in the region, and the current pace of change is very high. Regulators and policymakers across the region are key stakeholders for the Firm.
The UK acts as the regional headquarters for EMEA, but Germany is another key centre in the region. SMBC also has a growing presence in the Middle East and Africa. Cross-border banking laws are a key area of focus.
The Public Affairs team was established in 2021 to position the firm to anticipate and where possible influence early-stage policy/regulatory change. Public Affairs identifies and reviews in-scope public policy initiatives with potential material impact on SMBC Group.
Public Affairs covers whole of the EMEA region with close working relationships with colleagues across EMEA offices, as well as coordination with Tokyo, New York and Washington. In EMEA, Public Affairs currently includes two team members in London and Brussels, as well as consultancy support in the EU.
Scale & Scope
- Relevant policy initiatives may be at international, EU, regional, industry or country level and may relate to any aspect of the Firm’s business.
- The role holder will support all aspects of the Public Affairs team’s work, including management of SMBC’s industry associations, tracking relevant policy developments, producing briefings for senior management and tracking engagements.
- The role will work with a wide range of stakeholders both internally and externally and will be required to involve and inform colleagues proactively and effectively.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Assisting the Head of Public Affairs & Policy in the delivery of the Public Affairs strategy and work closely with team members in London and Brussels.
- Monitoring policy developments across a broad range of areas and industries, tracking developments and the firm’s engagement across EMEA.
- Assisting in establishing policy positions and formulating policy responses to be adopted by the firm, working closely with colleagues in relevant working groups and across the firm.
- Maintaining up to date knowledge of UK and European Union institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the European Union) as well as the banking and finance supervisory and regulatory authorities in the UK and EU (PRA, FCA, ECB, EBA, ESMA, etc)
- To create and maintain lists of useful contacts, including of members of the firm engaged with industry bodies and policymaking authorities.
- Assisting preparation for the firm’s participation in conferences and stakeholder engagement.
- Working closely with EMEA colleagues and reflect their priorities and input in all aspects of Public Affairs work.
- To act as secretariat for the firm’s Public Affairs Steering Committee, organising meetings, establishing agendas, taking minutes and following up on action items.
- Communicating and reporting internally on the work of the Public Affairs team
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Experience of regulatory or legislative policymaking, either in the public sector or in a public affairs or regulatory affairs capacity is preferred.
- The role holder must have a good understanding of the UK politics and legislative processes. Exposure to EU politics is desirable.
- Knowledge of financial and non-financial industries is an advantage
- The role holder must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and be able to present complex issues in a clear and comprehensible format.
- The role holder must demonstrate ability to build good interpersonal relationships with stakeholders and to be a team player.
- The role holder must be able to communicate and influence in an open and collaborative way.
- The role holder should be English speaker and must have accurate and precise written English skills.
- Excellent skills in Excel and PowerPoint is an advantage.
- The role holder should demonstrate resilience and initiative.
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!!
We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.
We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices. Compensation is determined using objective criteria, including skills, experience, and role responsibilities, and applied consistently throughout our recruitment processes. We do not request candidates' pay history and are committed to preventing unjustified pay disparities.