Director, Regional Head of AML

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Purpose of the Job

The Director and Regional Head of AML Compliance will provide strategic leadership and oversight of AML compliance across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region while supporting the broader Financial Crime framework. The role serves as a senior advisor to business, compliance, and risk stakeholders, ensuring effective execution of MUFG’s AML programme and cross-regional AML regulatory requirements.  The candidate reports into both the Regional Head of Financial Crimes for APAC and the Global Head of AML.  The candidate will also be dual-hatted to support MUS Asia in an advisory capacity on all AML matters.

This role has the potential for expanded leadership opportunities across the Financial Crime Office of Asia, therefore a successful candidate should display knowledge and experience in the areas of Sanctions, AML and ABC

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the effective execution of MUFG’s AML programme in APAC.  This primarily includes development of regional guidances and operating manuals to supplement global policies/standards, regional customisation of requirements and processes, KYC and TMS transformation and automation, tuning and scenario/parameters selection, high risk KYC review and FI EDD advisory covering APAC branches, oversight and challenge of AML investigations quality by APAC branches.

• Responsible for the leadership and supervision of the APAC AML Compliance department, comprising of KYC Advisory, Transaction Monitoring/Investigations Advisory, AML Product Advisory, Governance and Risk Controls.

• Maintain AML policy assessments, standards, procedures, and training programs.

• Serve as MUFG’s APAC financial crime compliance senior management team and standing member of various global and regional governance/oversight forums

• Lead AML advisory activities across APAC, including complex escalations, investigations, and AML related regulatory change management.

• Partnering with various sharing services in the First and Second line of defense to ensure a sustainable and effective AML program

• Oversee and ensure effective execution of AML product risk assessments for APAC region, working closely with product office leadership to ensure appropriate controls and regulatory considerations are built into product features; execution of MUFG’s global product risk rating methodology, trade finance framework, product control guidance etc.

• Oversee and ensure effective execution of MUFG’s annual global risk assessment and AML transaction reporting framework for APAC branches

• Serve as Risk Manager and standing member of the regional review and challenge committee for all AML issues in APAC.  Primary responsibilities include providing subject matter expertise viewpoints to audit/testing teams on potential issues, holding final approval authority for all issue action plans and closure evidences.

• Lead various oversight and support initiatives relating to APAC branches, including reviewing MI/financial crime monitoring reports and making necessary interventions as appropriate, advisory on all AML matters, support on exams and audits, support on regulatory engagements and senior management dialogues.

• Represent MUFG in AML-related industry forums, peer discussions, and regulatory interactions as appropriate

• Support MUFG Securities Asia with regard to Financial Crimes Compliance

• Support the development and execution of regional Financial Crime strategy, including sanctions, AML, and related risk disciplines.

• Provide executive-level reporting and strategic recommendations to senior management and governance committees.

• Actively identify opportunities of automation of manual processes, including solutions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drive their implementation across sanctions program areas.

• Manage a team, including recruitment, performance management, compensation, motivation and people development.

Required Qualifications

Skills & Knowledge

• A minimum of 15 years’ experience working in financial crimes (FC) function in a financial institution or regulatory agency.

• A minimum of 15 years’ experience managing Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Transaction Monitoring (TM) processes.

• Demonstrated success managing regulatory relationships and complex risk issues in Sanctions, AML and Securities

• Prior management experience required.

• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience managing large cross-border teams required

• Experience in managing or supporting FC program development, maintenance and enhancement.

• Experience in interacting with business management, control function leadership and compliance personnel.

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of an effective financial crimes risk management framework.

• Strong people management.

• Knowledge of products and services of one or more of the following businesses: Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, Transaction Banking and/or Global Markets.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Degree qualified

Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within AML/KYC/TM compliance, financial crimes compliance, risk management, or regulatory affairs

• Demonstrated experience managing compliance programs with enterprise-wide oversight responsibilities.

• Proven track record of developing and implementing AML/KYC/TM programme requirements across multiple jurisdictions

• Experience in broader Financial Crimes Compliance, including Sanctions and Anti-Bribery & Corruption programs is a plus.

• Experience leading large-scale compliance transformation, familiarity with industry best practices, and ability to drive results in a complex matrix environment

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements/expectations in APAC, including but not limited to those from the MAS and HKMA

• Demonstrated ability to influence executive leadership and drive strategic decision-making across global organizations

• Experience and/or strong knowledge in implementation of automation, digital assets and AI solutions.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is an equal opportunity employer. We view our employees as our key assets as they are fundamental to our long-term growth and success. MUFG is committed to hiring based on merit and organsational fit, regardless of race, religion or gender.