Senior Associate, Compliance

Job Description Summary

For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.

In our collegial environment, that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences.

We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm.

HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer.

This role follows a hybrid work model which consists of 4 days in office per week. Additionally, you will receive 5 additional remote days per quarter to use at your discretion, subject to manager approval.

Reporting to the Head of Asia Compliance who is based in Singapore, the Compliance Senior Associate will assist with the Firm’s global compliance program, with particular emphasis on supporting the Firm’s regulatory and governance frameworks in Asia. Whilst the key focus of the job function will be Hong Kong compliance/regulatory work, this role will also have a regional coverage upon the discretion of the Head of Asia Compliance. This role will be based in Hong Kong and ensures adherence to all relevant local laws, SFC requirements, and internal policies, acting as a key liaison with regulators and internal stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is someone who is:

• Knowledgeable of the securities laws, rules, and regulations in Hong Kong, especially for Type 1, Type 9 and Type 4 licence holders and the marketing and distribution of interests in private funds.  Familiarity with retail distribution of funds in Hong Kong is beneficial but not required. 

• Knowledge of other jurisdictional regulatory requirements in Asia Pacific (e.g., China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Australia) is beneficial but not required.
• Experienced in collaborating with colleagues in other regional offices as well as with headquarters based outside of Asia.
• Capable of comprehending and effectively communicating technical regulatory requirements and compliance policies to others.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented with strong organizational and communication skills
• Able to handle and prioritize multiple tasks in a time-sensitive environment
• Pro-active, energetic, self-assured professional with high personal integrity and ability to develop good interpersonal relationships with others
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Collaborative and supportive team member

What you will do:

• Ensure compliance with all the applicable regulatory requirements in Hong Kong, especially around Type 1, Type 4, and Type 9 license requirements e.g. maintain the relevant license(s), timely filing of regulatory reports and surveys, management of ad-hoc regulatory inquiries/inspection, risk management practice, etc.
• Monitor and review compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Keep track of regulatory changes/development in Hong Kong, assess impact and consider implementation for HarbourVest.
• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and controls.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, auditors and represent the firm in regulatory matters.
• Provide compliance advice to front office, operations, and senior management on new products and business initiatives, cross border, etc.
• Conduct regular compliance training to employees
• Review marketing and client communication materials in both English and Chinese, ensuring all content is accurate, compliant, and aligned with regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular compliance reviews and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential regulatory risks and design mitigatory controls/process, perform testing and monitoring activities.
• Perform employee activities review, monitoring and reporting (e.g., personal trading, gift and entertainment, outside business activities, political contributions)
• Corporate secretarial work such as co-ordination of board meetings, and relevant filings
• Assist in regional compliance matters and other regional regulatory/compliance duties as required

What you bring:

• Strong working knowledge of SFC rules and regulations in Hong Kong. Experience dealing with SFC regulatory inspections and licensing processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in written and spoken Mandarin is essential as the role involves reviewing Chinese-language marketing materials. 
• A problem solver with a cross-functional perspective
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Considerable experience presenting, interacting, and building effective relationships with professionals, including executive management.
• Proven ability to adequately document all work and attention to detail.

Education Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree (ideally in Law, Finance or Business or Accounting or related) with equivalent experience

Experience

• 5-7 years of demonstrated experience in compliance, regulatory affairs or a related capacity at an asset management firm / financial services industry with specific exposure to SFC Type 1, 4, and 9 regulatory requirements