Description

Additional headcount to strengthen the APAC operations planning function.

Responsibilities

Regional Operations & Governance:

• Lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness across the APAC region
• Develop and implement standardized operational procedures and frameworks for overseas offices
• Strengthen regional governance in line with Head Office policies and standards

Head Office Alignment & Liaison:

• Act as a primary liaison between APAC offices and Japan Head Office, ensuring alignment of strategy, execution, and governance
• Interpret Head Office policies, internal rules, and expectations, and translate them into actionable guidance for overseas offices
• Represent regional perspectives while maintaining credibility and trust with Head Office stakeholders

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Support regional compliance initiatives by working closely with Risk Management, Compliance, Legal, and Audit functions
• Contribute to the enhancement of Operational Risk Management practices, including Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), outsourcing governance, and processing risk control
• Coordinate responses to Head Office audits, internal inspections, and regulatory-driven initiatives where Japan Head Office involvement is required

Cross-functional & Regional Coordination:

• Collaborate with IT, Operations, Risk, Legal, Compliance, and business teams across multiple jurisdictions
• Facilitate alignment among stakeholders with differing priorities, ensuring timely execution of strategic initiatives
• Serve as a central coordination or secretariat function for region-wide or Head Office-driven projects

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or a related discipline
• Approximately 10-15 years of experience in banking, financial services, or a closely related industry
• Solid hands-on experience in operations planning, governance design, process improvement, or regional project coordination
• Experienced in liaising with Japan-based Head Office, with involvement in:
  • Formulation, interpretation, or implementation of Head Office policies, frameworks, or internal rules
  • Coordination with multiple Head Office control functions (e.g. Operations Planning, Risk Management, Compliance, Audit, IT governance)
• Demonstrated understanding of Japan Head Office governance structures and approval processes, including consensus building and multi-layer stakeholder alignment
• Proficiency in the Japanese language as the role requires interpretation of instructions and documents as well as communicate and liaising with Tokyo Head Office
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks, with emphasis on:
  • Operational Risk Management
  • Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)
  • Outsourcing governance and processing risk
• Prior exposure to Japan-related regulatory, audit, or internal inspection matters is highly desirable
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a matrix, multi-cultural, and multi-jurisdiction environment
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience balancing Head Office expectations and regional realities
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and function as a trusted coordinator across functions
• Comfortable operating in environments with ambiguity, informal coordination, and evolving requirements

n.a.