Vice President, Business Risk & Control Management

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 Wholesale Bank function operates a dynamic business model that provides financial services and solutions to help our clients achieve their strategic business objectives. Our mission is to become the premier-provider of banking services and solutions for Asia-based commercial banking companies (small medium enterprises), large corporations, financial institutions as well as multinational corporations. Our coverage teams work in full alignment with specialised teams across Transaction Banking, Investment Banking, Global Markets and Group Retail to deliver seamless solutions to our clients.

Job Responsibilities

Take a holistic view of risk and controls for Wholesale Banking of Hong Kong (“WBHK”) and foster a risk and compliance culture by providing oversight on compliance, risk assessment, controls and reporting for different risk types.

General risks management and controls

• Proactive risk management by fostering a risk and compliance culture across HK Wholesale Banking.
• Oversight on risk assessment, controls and reporting for multiple risk types (including but not limited to AML/CFT risks, regulatory risks, operational risks, conduct risks, etc.) by working with Business Units & other Wholesale Banking COO office support units.
• Central liaison with Line 2 and Line 3 for discussion on Wholesale Banking related policy and framework matters. Engaged in audit and compliance review for HK Wholesale Banking and assist to drive and ensure proper remediations for identified gaps.
• Thorough impact analysis and operationalization of controls for new regulatory requirements within stipulated timelines for HK Wholesale Banking.
• Perform independent quality assurance reviews (where applicable) through thematic testing to ensure effectiveness of control frameworks within Wholesale Banking.
• Provide advisory support and guidance, training (where necessary) to the Business Units within HK Wholesale Banking.
• Represent Business Risks & Control Management on various risk management projects and working groups.
• Proactively identify areas for improvements and give advice on how to implement/enhance procedures, processes, internal controls to strengthen the first line of defense.
• Assist Business Units to manage and/or co-ordinate, internal and external audits (including regulatory inspections) and to follow up on any issues raised.

Specific AML/CFT risks management and controls

• Identify and assess money laundering, terrorist financing and sanctions risk exposure.
• Escalate product or process issues that pose ML/TF/Sanctions risk to Compliance.
• Work with HK Compliance on AML/CFT/Sanction matters and initiatives, and BU partners to address AML/CFT/Sanction issues and streamline the review process to drive biz efficiency and participate in related projects.
• Conduct investigations into suspected ML/TF activities.
• Provide responses to regulators and work with Compliance to communicate to regulators on AML matters.
• Review and endorse for customer onboarding and retention of customer relationships.

Specific Fraud risks management and controls

• Working with Line 1 to complete Fraud Risk Assessments, design and ensure controls are up to date with Anti-Fraud regulations and policies and developments within the business.
• Analysis of Anti-Fraud metrics and manage and participate in Line 1 Anti-Fraud related governance forums.

Job Requirements

• Degree or professional qualification in business or banking/financial services related areas
• At least minimum 7 years of relevant work experience in Wholesale Banking compliance, risk management or has been a relationship manager with preferably 3 years of AML/CFT/Sanction compliance function in a financial institution, preferably in a wholesale banking environment
• Good knowledge/understanding of banking and financial services laws & regulations, compliance best practices and understanding of financial products & systems.
• Ability to work effectively, under pressure, in a rapidly changing environment, as well as autonomously and as an effective team player with other stakeholders.
• Able to highlight and escalate key issues/gaps to facilitate Group oversight.
• Able to provide advisory and supervisory services to Wholesale Banking Business Units for customer onboarding and retention activities.
• Able to provide guidance to Business Units on policies and regulatory requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Possesses good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work on multiple assignments.
• Self-driven, meticulous and able to operate expeditiously.
• Able to challenge the status quo
• Having a professional AML-related certification is an advantage

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.

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