Head of Legal & Compliance, Trust (Singapore)

Overview

The Head of Legal & Compliance is tasked with directing and sustaining a comprehensive legal, regulatory, and compliance infrastructure within Fairway Group's operations based in Singapore. This role assures strict adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and supervisory expectations while fostering robust relationships with regulatory bodies and championing the highest levels of integrity, governance, and anti-financial crime measures.

Key Responsibilities

• Function as the designated Group Compliance Officer in Singapore with overall accountability for compliance matters.
• Advance legal and regulatory compliance efforts specific to Singapore's jurisdiction.
• Ensure full compliance with all Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), Counterproliferation Financing (CPF), and sanctions laws applicable to group entities in Singapore.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with primary stakeholders such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, and the Suspicious Transactions Reporting Office.
• Participate in Board meetings across group entities, providing expert compliance insights and contributing to discussions through thorough pre-meeting review of management information.
• Continuously monitor legal and regulatory changes and update the Board promptly on pertinent developments.
• Manage and keep current the group's risk assessments for Singapore operations.
• Create, revise, and enforce internal policies, procedures, and controls to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Offer guidance and training to directors, employees, and contractors on compliance protocols.
• Supervise continuous monitoring of internal controls in the group's Singapore companies and report outcomes to the Board.
• When relevant, ensure adherence to regulations applicable to licensed trust companies under the group's control in Singapore.
• Remain informed on Singapore’s National Risk Assessments, and AML/CFT/CPF strategies, and stay current on money laundering and terrorism financing trends locally and regionally.
• Compile detailed AML/CFT/CPF compliance reports for Board review within agreed timeframes and ensure timely and proper responses to suspected money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation cases.
• Submit suspicious transaction reports to relevant Singapore authorities as required.
• Maintain current automated sanctions screening in line with changes in Singapore’s sanctions framework.
• Report quarterly to the Board on risk management and control topics, including actions from audits, inspections, and compliance checks.
• Provide advice to the New Business Committee on AML/CFT/CPF obligations during new business considerations.
• Promote collaboration between Board members and group staff to support compliance objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• A recognized degree in law, finance, economics, or a related discipline, or an equivalent blend of education and experience.
• Relevant professional credentials such as legal qualification, compliance certification, Chartered Accountant, or Chartered Secretary.
• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in a comparable role.
• At least 5 years operating at senior management level within Singapore’s trust services sector.
• Proven ability to build and sustain positive relationships with regulators and senior leadership.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Singaporean laws and regulations including the Trust Companies Act 2005 and associated regulations, the Corporate Service Providers Act 2024, the Personal Data Protection Act 2012, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1960, and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992.