Job Summary

This role could be based in Hong Kong, Singapore or UK. When you start the application process you will be presented with a drop down menu showing all countries, please ensure that you only select a country where the role is based.

Assurance is a Second line defence function established under a delegated Mandate from the Group Chief Risk Officer and the Group Head of Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance.  The primary role of Assurance is to provide a risk-based independent view to Senior Management in the business/functions, Second Line and the Board as to the effectiveness of the bank’s processes, systems and controls.  It facilitates identification of any gaps & inefficiencies, enabling prompt corrective action to be taken, and is a key source of evidence for the Board & Regulators.  Assurance is part of the reasonable steps taken in support of SMF 4, 16 & 17 responsibilities. 

 

The Global Head of Assurance will lead the bank’s assurance function with an end-to-end focus on leveraging data analytics, automation, and AI & emerging technologies as the case may be to drive risk-based, technology-enabled assurance. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategy

• Setting the strategy for provision of risk based assurance coverage across all risks types and providing strategic leadership to deliver the strategy, taking account of industry good practise.
• Strategy should focus on assessing effective risk management of: the 1LOD in managing the risks in their business and functions; 2LOD in its role of owning and operating processes to support of the business (operating as a 1LOD) and; 2LOD in its role of providing challenge and oversight. All businesses and functions and geographies are within scope.
• Help drive a collaborative cross line of defence assurance ecosystem.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement in delivery of Assurance mandate, including by leveraging data and technology.  
• Develop and execute a technology-enabled assurance strategy, integrating data analytics and automation to enhance risk identification and audit efficiency.

 

Business

• Contribute to the strategic intent and agenda of Risk & CFCR and as such be accountable to lead or influence significant programmes of work in support of the broader Risk and CFCR objectives.
• Equip the Assurance function with sufficient appropriate resources and capability, to include technical, assurance/audit skills and systems capability. 
• Drive business enablement through delivery of risk based, insightful, value add Assurance products. 
• Awareness and understanding of the regulatory environment and Assurance industry good practice. 

Processes

• Responsible for designing and implementing appropriate methodology, governance and oversight over the delivery of Assurance in line with requirements set out in ORTF.
• Risk based annual planning process to provide appropriate Assurance review coverage.  
• Ensure relevant Assurance processes embed collaborative working across all three LODs.  
• Ensure  Assurance operates within all relevant Group Policies and Standards.
• Manage resources in GBS in line with IGA.  
• Manage the budget associated with the Assurance function.
• Partner with T&O (Technology & Operations) and the CDO (Chief Data Office) to enhance data governance, data quality, and analytical capabilities in assurance. 

 

People & Talent

• Build, manage, coach and develop a team of quality assurance professionals, balancing locations, skills and competencies to position the Bank as an industry leader in the eyes of regulators and industry stakeholders.
• Accountable for the organisational design of the Global Assurance team.
• Proactively engage with stakeholders to ensure that relationships are trusted such that the team voice is respected at the most senior level.
• Lead through example and build the appropriate culture and values within Assurance and across the wider organisation. Set appropriate tone and expectations for my teams and work in collaboration with risk and control partners.
• Provide functional leadership and subject matter expertise for regulatory inspections, internal and relevant external bodies.
• Lead and develop a high-performing assurance team with expertise in data analytics, technology, and traditional audit methodologies.
• Promote and embed a culture of openness, trust and risk awareness, where ethical, legal, regulatory and policy compliant conduct is the norm.
• Take personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct, across the Group. This includes understanding and ensuring compliance with, in letter and spirit, all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and the Group Code of Conduct. 

Risk Management

• Design, deliver and execute a risk-based assurance plan informed from the underlying risk assessments and connecting to the Enterprise Risk Framework principles. This should align with regulatory commitments, broader compliance strategies, and financial plans.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Risk Management to establish consistency of standards for risk reviews pan Bank and provide relevant analysis that provides visibility of the control environment, identifies emerging risks, and facilitates informed decision making at the holistic strategic level.
• Define and develop structured Assurance capabilities to execute risk-based independent reviews of process and control efficacy by assessing the design and operating effectiveness of key processes and controls.
• Provide oversight, challenge, and review of material attestations to provide confidence that the Bank’s responses are factually accurate and backed by evidence. 
• Manage and maintain a risk-based plan to focus Assurance (including Red Team exercises) on areas of highest risk.
• Communicate complex risks, issues and testing insights precisely and effectively to management and regulators as required.
• Act as a key advisor to the GCRO, the Head of CFCR and senior management on risk trends, emerging technologies (as it relates to assurance), and control effectiveness.

 

Governance

• Provide appropriate governance and oversight over the delivery of Assurance mandate.
• Escalate matters requiring immediate attention directly to relevant senior management as required. 
• Represent Risk and CFCR at relevant governance forums, where applicable.
• Provide reports to relevant Group and Business risk and control committees and management group on key risks and issues.

Qualifications

• Strong assurance, regulatory inspection or audit experience in relevant practice in Risk, Compliance and FCC within a banking environment.
• Substantial experience in the banking industry, including demonstrated success in a similar roles, including across a range of risk areas.
• Experience in leading transformations in audit/assurance.  
• Experience in optimising processes, including via the use of technology. 
• Strong leadership qualities, excellent interpersonal skills and personal authority based on trusted relationships.
• Experienced in building leading and motivating teams.
• Strategic vision for the function.
• Excellent communicator, effective leader and manager of complex, highly matrixed organizations and the ability to explain complex risk terms in business language.
• Ability to collaborate and work dynamically across country, region, business, and group stakeholders
• Strong drive, high levels of integrity, independence, and enthusiasm. 
• Strong expertise in data analytics, AI, automation, and technology risk management in banking.
• Strong presentation skills and the overall knowledge, sound judgement and courage of conviction.

What we offer

In line with our Fair Pay Charter, we offer a competitive salary and benefits to support your mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.

• Core bank funding for retirement savings, medical and life insurance, with flexible and voluntary benefits available in some locations.
• Time-off including annual leave, parental/maternity (20 weeks), sabbatical (12 months maximum) and volunteering leave (3 days), along with minimum global standards for annual and public holiday, which is combined to 30 days minimum.
• Flexible working options based around home and office locations, with flexible working patterns.
• Proactive wellbeing support through Unmind, a market-leading digital wellbeing platform, development courses for resilience and other human skills, global Employee Assistance Programme, sick leave, mental health first-aiders and all sorts of self-help toolkits
• A continuous learning culture to support your growth, with opportunities to reskill and upskill and access to physical, virtual and digital learning.
• Being part of an inclusive and values driven organisation, one that embraces and celebrates our unique diversity, across our teams, business functions and geographies - everyone feels respected and can realise their full potential.

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