Wise Assets Expansion Lead - APAC

Company Description

Wise was launched in 2011 with the vision of making international money transfers fast, cheap, fair, and simple. Today we’re about much more than just moving money. We’re building the world’s best international account experience. 

In 2022, Wise launched Assets in Singapore, a new type of account and in 2024 in Australia. Assets allows customers to back the money they hold with Wise through different asset classes such as stocks or bonds while retaining the instant access and spend functionality of a checking account. 

Job Description

We’re looking for a Assets Expansion Lead to join our Singapore office. You’ll be responsible for expanding the Assets product across APAC, one of Wise’s fastest growing markets, building strong commercial and regulatory relationships to enable the best product experience for our customers. 

You’ll work closely with the Assets Product team, an autonomous team within Wise consisting of Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Product Compliance and Operations. You’ll provide the team with local financial markets expertise, shaping the product vision and helping change the future of finance. This isn’t just a job, it’s a revolution!

Your Mission:

1 - Expand the Assets product across APAC

• Lead and manage the end-to-end process of expanding the product to new markets across APAC, such as New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Japan, by collaborating with the wider APAC regional banking and expansion team 

• Analyse the optimal route to market for the Assets product in these markets, taking into account how customer needs differ by market, product functionality and regulatory requirements. 

• Build a good relationship with regulatory authorities to ensure a smooth licensing process and success once the licence is granted 

• Ensure that the operating model agreed with regulators is efficient and aligns with our product and customers needs. 

• Source and / or hire any personnel that may be required to obtain the licence such as a local compliance officer or financial controller

• Liaise closely with teams across Wise such as Product, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Compliance to ensure that we have the necessary resources and processes in place to successfully sustain operations 

2 - Build strong commercial relationships

• Identify new commercial relationships with investment managers, banks and payments partners to optimise the product experience for customers in terms of price, coverage and available asset classes 

• Onboard new partners and negotiate contracts, taking into account commercial priorities as well as risks 

• Manage our existing commercial relationships to ensure that they are delivering the best outcomes for our customers in terms of price and coverage

3 - Identify new strategic opportunities

• Shape the product vision and roadmap alongside the Product Manager, thinking about our customer needs, blockers and opportunities

• Work closely with the Product Manager and the wider team to prioritise opportunities taking into consideration the product roadmap, resource and product build requirements 

• Identify and size new product ideas to test, build, and launch. 

4 - Head up the Singapore Investment Entity

• Ensure alignment with regulatory and governance requirements to uphold the CMS license under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

• Lead the strategic vision and operational management of the Singapore investment entity, ensuring efficiency and alignment with Wise’s objectives.

You may be a good fit if:

• Led the end-to-end process for expanding financial services products to new markets, including scoping route to market and applying for new licences from local regulators

• You are familiar with the financial services industry and understand different financial products and how they work, as well as their risks and target markets. Specific market knowledge and experience in Singapore and / or Australia would be beneficial. 

• You have negotiated commercial relationships with a clear product vision and understanding in mind. You are able to figure out the ideal operational and commercial process with new partners

• You are familiar with how fund managers and financial institutions work. You are strong at managing those relationships and are constantly creating opportunities to improve them

• You have fresh ideas - You don’t accept the status quo, but are interested in solving problems in novel ways. You are able to communicate the impact of those ideas, gather stakeholder buy-in, and formulate plans to implement them

• You are passionate about our mission and transforming the financial industry for good

• You have flexibility for some international travel (around 10-20% of time) 

• Please note that this hire will assume the CEO title of our SG Assets entity. 

Qualifications

• 10 years work experience within retail investment products

• 5 years of managerial experience

• Detailed knowledge of financial systems including banking and investments infrastructure, payment rails, regulatory agencies and regulations

• Ability to structure and independently lead commercial relationships (e.g., clients, service providers or other partners) and cross-functional projects, including demonstrated ability to align closely with Product, Engineering, Operations, and Compliance teams with a solid track record of execution 

• Excellent verbal and written communications including executive-level presentation, negotiation, and communication skills 

• Proficiency in financial and business analysis. 

Qualifications 

• Be willing to obtain the relevant qualifications to act as an Authorised Representative of the firm, registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This includes:

  • The following modules from the Singapore Capital Markets and Financial Advisory Services (CMFAS) qualification: 

    • M1A Rules and Regulations for Dealing in Securities (for members of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”)

    • M1B Rules and Regulations for Dealing in Securities (Non SGX-ST members) 

    • M6 Securities Products and Analysis

    • M6A Securities and Futures Product Knowledge

  • Alternatively you can hold a recognised qualification or degree recognised by MAS as equivalent to the CMFAS - please see Annex 1 and Annex 1a of the MAS Guidance. 

• Candidates who existingly hold CMFA M1/M1B and M6/M6A is a plus

Additional Information

For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences.
Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.

If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs.

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