Leonid Group has been retained by a leading financial services firm to appoint a Head of Compliance (Japan) based in Tokyo, Japan.

Job Responsibilities

Regulatory Framework: You will learn and become knowledgeable about the regulatory framework applicable to the firm’s regulated activities such that you can advise internal stakeholders on what is permissible pursuant to such laws, regulations and rules, the applicability of compliance policies and procedures on the Company’s day to day activities and monitor any updates that may occur from time to time. You will understand how the regulatory framework affects all aspects of the Company and its affiliates’ businesses. You also will become knowledgeable about the global regulatory frameworks to which the Group is subject.
Internal Controls: You will review, refine and strengthen the Company’s compliance internal controls and suggest and help implement improvements to controls managed by other internal control functions. You will serve as a resource for other control functions with respect to compliance and regulatory-related questions that arise during the normal course.
Compliance Program: You will become familiar with the Group’s compliance program, how it incorporates regulatory requirements applicable to the global business, assess its efficacy with respect to the Company on an ongoing basis and implement enhancements as necessary.
Policies and Procedures: You will develop the Company’s policies and procedures (Compliance and otherwise) and refine the Company’s policies and procedures, their layout, arrangement and accessibility. You will regularly meet with relevant stakeholders to confirm the continued usability and accuracy of the Company’s policies and procedures.
Supervising Monitoring Duties: You will learn about the Group’s existing internal control monitoring program and compliance program and adapt both as necessary to meet Japanese regulatory requirements, and identify any additional areas to be monitored to meet regulatory requirements. As relevant, you will create monitoring plans and create procedures to govern the Company’s monitoring program. You will present the results of the Company’s monitoring program to relevant oversight bodies on a regular basis.
Regulatory Reporting: You will manage and submit the Company’s regulatory reports, aligning reporting and affirmations with those collected by the Compliance Department for other regulatory reporting, and you will work closely with the Technology team to develop documented guidance on regulatory reporting for the Company in line with that created for the Company’s regulated affiliates.
Regulatory Examination and Interaction Management: You will manage the Company’s interactions with the JFSA, including before, during and after regular interactions. You will collect, prepare and submit responses to document and information requests, and be responsible for a positive, constructive relationship with JFSA staff. You will manage effectively and timely all regulatory examinations, inspections, interactions, inquiries, remediations and reports, in coordination with Group Compliance, as appropriate.
Management of Compliance Staff: You will manage the Company’s Compliance team. You will identify and raise staffing issues and needs as they arise, and effectively manage the Compliance team to facilitate excellent work product and quick response time. In addition, you will provide the Compliance team with opportunities for growth and development.
Stakeholder Engagement: You will develop, maintain and enhance effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, including the Company, other control functions and other Group departments and functions.

Qualifications

A legal degree
At least 15 years of relevant experience
Experience in building effective working relationships with the JFSA or equivalent regulatory bodies, including handling all examinations, inspections, inquiries, requests and reporting
Experience in drafting and/or reviewing policies and procedures
Experience managing teams of people and large projects
Experience interacting regularly and effectively with all stakeholders within a company environment
Experience presenting to executive management, senior management and boards on compliance matters
Strong verbal and written communication skills and a positive, hardworking approach to your work
Strong research, analysis, and organizational skills with particular focus on attention to detail
Knowledge of securities laws and experience working in highly regulated environments
Self-starter and are efficient in your work

The Leonid Group is an international, specialist search and consultancy firm focused on corporate governance and professional services, that specialises in the placement of Legal, Compliance, Trade Compliance & Ethics professionals on an international scale across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. Legal and compliance are both global, with teams worldwide, and our network reflects this. We work with multinational corporations to help structure their departments with the best people, from the Global Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel to the Compliance Analyst and Trade Compliance Specialist.