Regional Head of Compliance

About the role

KBC Bank Singapore provides commercial banking services to companies in Singapore. As part of the KBC Group headquartered in Brussels, we leverage our expertise and resources to deliver value-added solutions to clients through KBC's market-leading networks across Belgium and Central Europe. Our commercial banking unit in Singapore specializes in managing KBC Group relationships both within and outside Belgium and Central & Eastern Europe (CEE). We also offer a specialized platform for companies in Singapore conducting business with Belgium and CEE. We are seeking a highly experienced and credible Compliance Manager to assume the role of Head of Compliance, Asia Pacific . This role reports to APAC General Manager and functionally to KBC Group Compliance. The role combines independent regulatory oversight , regional leadership , and strategic advisory , ensuring that the Bank operates in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Group standards while supporting sustainable business growth.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Oversight & Governance
• Act as the Regional Head of Compliance for APAC , with functional oversight across all regional locations
• Ensure independent oversight as a Second Line of Defence , maintaining objectivity and integrity in all compliance assessments and also able to manage and perform the role as a First Line of Defence
• Provide effective challenge to senior management and business teams on regulatory and compliance risk matters
• Ensure full alignment with Group Compliance policies, standards, and governance frameworks
• Regulatory Engagement
• Serve as the primary point of contact with regulators (including MAS, HKMA and other relevant authorities )
• Lead and manage regulatory inspections, thematic reviews, and supervisory engagement
• Oversee timely and robust responses to regulatory queries and findings
• Advisory & Risk Management
• Provide proactive and pragmatic regulatory advice to the business and senior management
• Monitor, interpret, and communicate regulatory developments across APAC
• Ensure effective management of key compliance risks, including:
• AML / CFT Sanctions Customer Due Diligence Conduct and regulatory risk
• Leadership &Regional Management
• Lead and develop a high-performing regional compliance team
• Drive consistency and alignment of compliance frameworks and practices across APAC
• Foster a strong risk and compliance culture across the Organisation
• Governance &Reporting
• Accountable for the overall effectiveness of the Compliance function across APAC
• Provide regular reporting to senior management and governance committees on compliance risks, incidents, and developments
• Escalate material issues in a timely and transparent manner
• Oversee compliance input into strategic initiatives, new business, and product approvals
• Transformation& Continuous Improvement
• Drive ongoing enhancement of compliance processes, policies, and controls
• Lead gap analyses, remediation programs, and regulatory-driven change initiatives
• Promote efficiency and effectiveness in compliance frameworks while maintaining robust control standards
• Candidate Profile
• 12-15+ years of experience in regulatory compliance within international banking, with significant exposure to APAC markets
• Proven track record as a senior compliance leader , including regional or multi-jurisdictional responsibilities
• Strong and demonstrable experience engaging with regulators at a senior level
• Experience leading regulatory inspections, audits, and remediation programmes
• Strong knowledge of MAS, HKMA, China regulatory frameworks , and international standards (AML/CFT, sanctions, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to operate with independence, integrity, and sound judgement , consistent with Fit & Proper expectations

Requirements

• University degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related discipline
• Professional certifications (e.g. ACAMS, ICA or equivalent ) are strongly preferred
• Capabilities
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills across cultures and organizational levels
• Ability to balance business advisory with independent challenge and collaboration
• Clear, authoritative communicator with strong written and verbal skills

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