Head of Legal and compliance - Leading financial institution

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an accomplished professional to take on the pivotal role of Head of Legal and Compliance within a highly respected financial services group based in Hong Kong.

What you'll do:

• Provide expert guidance to management and the Board of Directors on legal and compliance issues affecting various business lines, including input into business models, strategic plans, annual operating plans, and budgets.
• Identify emerging legal and regulatory risks proactively, conduct thorough analysis, escalate critical issues promptly to senior stakeholders, and develop actionable solutions that balance risk with commercial objectives.
• Oversee all communications with regulators and authorities regarding legal or compliance matters, managing enquiries, investigations, reporting obligations, and responses with professionalism and accuracy.
• Supervise compliance activities across overseas offices, branches, and subsidiaries within the group to ensure consistent standards are maintained globally.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organisation by designing and delivering engaging training programmes on relevant legal requirements.
• Facilitate the establishment and ongoing support of three lines of defence frameworks to strengthen internal controls and risk management practices.
• Collaborate closely with other departments to integrate compliance considerations into daily operations while supporting business growth initiatives.
• Monitor changes in relevant regulations in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and other applicable jurisdictions; interpret their impact on business activities; update policies accordingly.
• Lead crisis management efforts related to legal or regulatory incidents by providing clear direction, communication strategies, and remedial action plans.
• Mentor, develop, and manage a high-performing team of legal and compliance professionals to foster knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and career progression.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in law, finance, business management or other related disciplines
• 12+ years of experience in compliance / regulatory areas, with at least 8 years of experience in institutional business, and at least 6 years of team management experience
• Deep understanding of relevant regulations
• Strong analytical, communication, leadership, and crisis management skills
• Commercially minded to balance risk with business growth
• Proactive, hands-on, and able to work independently in fast-paced environments
• Ability to interact with Board-level executives
• Fluent in English and Mandarin