Head of Compliance (Responsible Officer/Regulatory Licensing)

Head of Compliance (Responsible Officer/Regulatory Licensing)

We have been engaged by a global publicly listed organization to identify a Head of Compliance who will also serve as the company’s Responsible Officer. This role involves leading the organization’s licensing application process in Singapore.

Key Responsibilities

• Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
• Lead the end-to-end management of the MAS insurance brokerage license application. Act as primary liaison with MAS, ensuring clear and timely communication. Develop and maintain internal policies and frameworks compliant with relevant laws (Insurance Act, FAA, Business Conduct Guidelines).
• Governance, Risk & Controls
• Oversee compliance with AML/CFT regulations, PDPA, and corporate governance codes. Conduct internal risk assessments and audits to proactively mitigate regulatory risks. Monitor ongoing compliance post-licensing.
• Leadership & Regulatory Strategy
• Advise senior leadership on regulatory trends and MAS updates. Promote a strong compliance culture via training and awareness programs. Represent compliance in board and executive risk discussions.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with auditors, legal counsel, and service providers to support MAS readiness and compliance. Support cross-functional teams during regulatory reviews, due diligence, and audits.

Qualifications & Requirements

• MAS Fit & Proper
• Eligible to be appointed as MAS Responsible Officer (RO) under FAA and/or Insurance Act. Experience dealing directly with MAS or similar regulators.
• Experience
• 8+ years in insurance, financial services, or regulatory compliance. At least 5 years in senior compliance or RO roles in Singapore, preferably in licensed insurance brokerage or financial advisory firms. Proven track record of securing and maintaining MAS licenses is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills
• Strong knowledge of MAS regulatory frameworks, licensing, and compliance operations. Familiar with risk management, governance, and regulatory audits.
• Leadership & Communication
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills. Strong written and verbal communication with influence across organizational levels.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or related fields.
• Professional certifications in compliance, AML, or risk management (e.g., ICA, CAMS) are a plus.