Head of Compliance Governance

We are seeking an experienced Head of Compliance Governance to lead and strengthen the compliance governance function of a leading financial services organization.

This role will work closely with the Chief Compliance Officer and Business Unit Compliance Officer to oversee compliance across multiple Philippine entities, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and the organization’s Compliance Risk Management Framework.

The successful candidate will serve as a key member of the Compliance leadership team, providing expert regulatory advice, constructive challenge, and strategic guidance to senior management. The role will also deputize for the Business Unit Compliance Officer when required and represent the organization in senior management meetings, regulatory engagements, and industry forums.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the oversight of compliance with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory expectations, and internal compliance requirements.
• Manage and strengthen compliance programs covering:
  • Business Conduct
  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
  • Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption (ABAC)
  • Fraud
  • Market Conduct and Investment Compliance
  • Privacy
  • Regulatory Compliance Management
• Assist in preparing and submitting regulatory reports and management reports to relevant regulatory bodies, regional offices, and corporate stakeholders.
• Monitor and assess new and proposed legislation and regulatory developments that may impact the organization.
• Advise senior management on regulatory changes, compliance risks, and required actions.
• Partner with business units and Compliance teams to develop and enhance policies, procedures, standards, and controls.
• Identify and assess compliance requirements related to products, business activities, and organizational structures.
• Oversee second-line compliance monitoring and testing activities, providing appropriate advice and challenge.
• Develop and deliver compliance training and awareness programs.
• Represent the organization in relevant industry committees, associations, and regulatory engagements when required.
• Chair or attend relevant Compliance committees in the absence of the Business Unit Compliance Officer.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to Compliance team members across various functions and levels.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Business Unit Compliance Officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• At least 7 years of compliance management experience within the insurance and/or asset management sectors is required.
• Experience in financial institution risk management, particularly within insurance, asset management, banking, or related financial services, is highly desirable.
• CPA or LLB qualification is preferred.
• Equivalent experience in a financial institution may be considered.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of the insurance and asset management industries and their regulatory environments.
• Extensive knowledge of Philippine laws, regulations, and regulatory expectations relevant to insurance and asset management.
• Strong understanding of compliance risk management frameworks and regulatory compliance standards.
• Demonstrated expertise in regulatory developments and their impact on business operations, products, systems, and processes.
• Strong knowledge of financial services products, including insurance, trust, mutual funds, and related investment products.
• Experience managing compliance programs involving AML, ABAC, fraud, market conduct, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of the Three Lines of Defence model and second-line compliance monitoring.
• Proven ability to analyze complex regulatory issues and translate requirements into practical business solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presentations for senior management and Board-level stakeholders.
• Strong consulting and advisory skills, with the ability to provide constructive challenge and influence business decisions.
• Proven people management and leadership experience.
• Strong stakeholder management skills across senior executives, business leaders, regulators, and regional/corporate teams.
• Ability to represent the organization professionally in regulatory and industry forums.
• Established relationships and credibility with regulators and relevant industry organizations are highly desirable.

Preferred Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements and standards.
• Deep understanding of insurance, asset management, trust, and investment products and terminology.
• Experience working within complex, highly regulated financial institutions.
• Exposure to regional or multinational compliance environments.
• Experience engaging with senior management, Boards, regulators, and industry associations.