Role Summary

Our financial institution client is seeking an accomplished Director of Compliance to assume leadership of the compliance function for its SFC-licensed corporation. This individual will serve as the Manager-in-Charge (MIC) for both Compliance and AML/CFT, taking full ownership of the firm's regulatory obligations and risk management framework.

This leadership role requires deep expertise in Hong Kong securities regulations, with particular emphasis on Type 1 regulated activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the firm's compliance governance framework, providing regulatory advisory support to senior management and business stakeholders, developing and enhancing compliance policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with all applicable SFC regulatory requirements.

The role requires a seasoned compliance professional with significant experience engaging with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), interpreting regulatory requirements, managing licensing and regulatory applications, and advising on the regulatory implications of new products, services, and business initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of regulatory expectations for licensed corporations and have a proven track record of building robust compliance frameworks within regulated financial institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance Advisory

• Act as the principal compliance advisor to senior management and business stakeholders on SFC regulatory requirements and compliance risks.
• Provide practical and commercially focused advice on regulatory obligations relating to Type 1, 4 or/and 9 regulated activities and other licensed activities.
• Interpret and assess the impact of new regulations, SFC circulars, consultation papers, codes, guidelines, and industry developments.
• Advise on new products, business initiatives, distribution arrangements, and strategic projects from a regulatory perspective.
• Support senior management in maintaining strong governance and regulatory oversight across the business.

Compliance Framework, Policies & Procedures

• Design, implement, maintain, and continuously enhance the firm's compliance framework, policies, procedures, and governance standards.
• Develop and maintain compliance manuals and policies covering regulatory compliance, conduct, conflicts of interest, client onboarding, suitability, AML/CFT, complaints handling, personal account dealing, and regulatory reporting.
• Conduct periodic reviews to ensure policies and procedures remain aligned with regulatory developments, business activities, and industry best practices.
• Lead regulatory gap assessments and oversee remediation arising from regulatory changes, internal reviews, or regulatory inspections.
• Establish scalable compliance processes and controls appropriate for a growing regulated business.

SFC Regulatory Engagement & Licensing

• Serve as the primary point of contact and relationship manager for the Securities and Futures Commission.
• Lead interactions with the SFC on licensing matters, regulatory enquiries, inspections, thematic reviews, notifications, and ongoing supervisory matters.
• Manage and coordinate responses to regulatory requests and correspondence.
• Lead SFC licensing applications and regulatory submissions, including:
• New licence applications
• Responsible Officer applications
• Manager-in-Charge appointments
• Variations of licence conditions
• Business expansion initiatives
• New product and service approvals
• Provide strategic advice on regulatory requirements associated with business growth and expansion plans.

Governance & Leadership

• Serve as Manager-in-Charge of Compliance and AML/CFT and ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory obligations.
• Provide regular compliance and regulatory updates to senior management and the Board.
• Promote a strong culture of regulatory compliance and ethical conduct throughout the organisation.
• Develop and deliver compliance training and regulatory awareness programmes.
• Build and mentor the compliance function as the business grows.

Requirements

Essential Experience

• Significant compliance experience within an SFC-licensed corporation, with substantial exposure to Type 1, 4 or/and 9 regulated activities.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO)
• SFC Code of Conduct
• Licensing Handbook
• Manager-in-Charge Regime
• AML/CFT requirements
• Governance and conduct standards applicable to licensed corporations
• Proven experience establishing and enhancing compliance frameworks, policies, procedures, and governance programmes.
• Extensive regulatory advisory experience supporting senior management and business stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience leading SFC licensing applications, regulatory submissions, and licensing-related projects.
• Strong track record of direct engagement with the SFC and managing regulatory inspections, enquiries, and supervisory interactions.

• Experience supporting securities brokerage, capital markets, wealth management, or investment services businesses.
• Familiarity with digital assets, tokenised securities, fintech, or emerging regulatory frameworks would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline.
• Relevant professional qualifications in compliance, legal, accounting, or financial services preferred.
• Fluency in English required; Cantonese and/or Mandarin preferred.