First VP, Investigations & Intelligence - Complex Investigations

About UOB

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in Asia with a global network of more than 500 branches and offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. In Asia, we operate through our head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as branches and offices. Our history spans more than 80 years. Over this time, we have been guided by our values – Honorable, Enterprising, United and Committed. This means we always strive to do what is right, build for the future, work as one team and pursue long-term success. It is how we work, consistently, be it towards the company, our colleagues or our customers.

About the Department

The Compliance function is a strategic partner and a trusted business enabler to the Board and senior management. It is our responsibility to ensure that the Group continuously fulfils its regulatory obligations in today’s tight and dynamic regulatory landscape. To do that, we work closely with internal stakeholders to identify and to assess regulatory risks. This collaboration also includes developing practical solutions that integrate regulations into operational requirements as well as actively shaping and promoting stronger compliance culture and literacy in the Bank.

Job Responsibilities

• Distill and articulate the strategic value of SIT’s data analytics outputs, ensuring they drive meaningful risk mitigating actions and inform key financial crime risk decisions to senior management, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Strengthen the credibility of SIT’s investigations by ensuring findings are substantiated, aligned with risk narratives, and effectively positioned within regulatory and senior management discussions.
• Maintain a robust governance structure over investigative processes, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations, industry standards, and internal policies.
• Act as the primary bridge between SIT and key stakeholders, including senior executives, regulators, and industry bodies, advocating for necessary resources, strategic priorities, and policy enhancements.
• Serve as a key decision-maker in handling high-impact issues, escalating major concerns with clear strategic recommendations and ensuring swift resolution.
• Identify and drive continuous improvements across investigative processes, ensuring that our frameworks, methodologies, and risk narratives remain at the forefront of financial crime detection and prevention.
• Partner closely with analytics, governance, and surveillance teams to ensure alignment in risk identification, model enhancements, and process optimizations.
• Represent the team in high-level forums, contributing to shaping industry-wide discussions on financial crime risk, regulatory expectations, and investigative best practices.
• Lead the oversight of COSMIC-triggered investigations, ensuring timely and quality analysis, structured escalation of the key risks, and seamless collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Job Requirements

• Minimally 8 years of proven experience in financial crime investigations, governance, or strategic risk oversight within a financial institution.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior management, regulators, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex investigative findings into compelling strategic narratives.
• Deep understanding of AML, financial crime risk management, and regulatory expectations, with experience in handling high-profile escalations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment while driving meaningful impact.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of driving change and uplifting team capabilities.
• Degree in Finance, Business or any related field
• Certification as a Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS) or a Diploma in AML with International Compliance Association is a big plus

Be a part of UOB Family

UOB is an equal opportunity employer. UOB does not discriminate on the basis of a candidate's age, race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or other non-merit factors. All employment decisions at UOB are based on business needs, job requirements and qualifications. If you require any assistance or accommodations to be made for the recruitment process, please inform us when you submit your online application.

Apply now and make a difference.

Competencies