Head of Regulatory Compliance Assurance

The base location for this role can be London or Hong Kong.

The Head of Regulatory Compliance (RC) Assurance provides strategic leadership of second line assurance over all Regulatory Compliance risk types, including Regulatory Compliance licence to operate, Customer and Market Outcomes, Unauthorised Trading and Conduct risks. The role ensures that RC assurance activity across the Group is risk based, consistent and effective in evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of threats, current and emerging, that impact the regulatory compliance control environment, giving senior management and regulators confidence in that we are meeting regulatory expectations and in control of the RC risks we oversee. 

This position is crucial for ensuring that robust assurance processes are in place to independently assess the effectiveness of the Bank's regulatory compliance control environment. The role demands strategic oversight of global frameworks and standards covering regulatory and conduct risk, with a focus on evaluating how effectively the organisation manages its regulatory obligations, ensures fair customer outcomes and upholds market integrity across all businesses and jurisdictions.

The role requires deep understanding of evolving regulatory expectations and compliance risk trends, alongside the ability to collaborate seamlessly with Regulatory Compliance stewards, first line control owners and other  assurance / testing teams to uphold the highest standards of compliance and conduct risk management.

As the Head of RC Assurance, you will play a critical role in supporting the development and execution of assurance strategies that align with the organization's overarching risk management framework. Working closely with the Global Head of R&C Assurance, you will oversee the delivery of independent, risk-based assurance across key Compliance and Conduct risk themes,  fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and proactive risk management.

You will lead a dedicated team of professionals, ensuring that Regulatory Compliance risks are effectively identified, assessed and managed and that assurance outcomes provide meaningful insights to senior management and regulators

Accountabilities for Business, Customers and Stakeholders

• Define and maintain the global second line regulatory compliance assurance framework, methodologies and operating model across all risk types.
• Oversee risk steward led regulatory compliance assurance activity, ensuring consistency, quality and independence of approach.
• Work closely with senior leaders in Regulatory Compliance, first line of defence (GCCOO Control Oversight Office) and third line of defence (Internal Audit) to ensure alignment, avoid duplication and strengthen the overall three lines of defence model.
• Act as a senior interface with  regulators and supervisory authorities on regulatory compliance assurance matters, undertaking any mandated testing required, providing transparency and independent challenge.
• Build and sustain a high performing global team that demonstrated consistent, independent and risk based assurance across regulatory compliance risk types.
• Apply deep expertise in risk and assurance methodologies to strengthen the Bank's overall three lines of defence model and meet evolving regulatory expectations.

Leadership & Teamwork 

• Lead a global team of senior professionals across all regulatory compliance risk types, setting strategic direction and enduring high quality delivery of the assurance agenda.
• Fostering strong collaboration across R&C, promoting consistency and knowledge sharing across risk types.
• Role model HSBC values and conduct, driving an inclusive, diverse and high performance culture.
• Influence and build trust with senior executives and stakeholders across regions and functions, ensuring effective buy in to assurance priorities.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing high-performing teams, with a focus on fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ability to mentor and develop team members, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.

Functional Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance and conduct risk management frameworks and assurance methodologies, including the ability to design, implement, and refine assurance processes that align with industry best practices.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory requirements and standards applicable to the financial services industry, including familiarity with key regulations such as Basel III, MiFID II, and  CSRD6.
• Proven experience in leading or overseeing Regulatory Compliance Assurance, audit or regulatory testing functions within a complex, global financial institution.
• Experience in managing regulatory audits and inspections, with a proven track record of maintaining compliance and addressing regulatory changes proactively.
• Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across various business units, ensuring that risk exposure is minimized and managed effectively.
• Ability to develop and implement risk assessment tools and techniques that provide accurate and timely insights into the organization's risk profile.
• Deep understanding of the risk management frameworks, assurance methodologies and regulatory expectations across regulatory compliance risk types.
• Strong understanding of emerging regulatory developments, thematic reviews and supervisory priorities, and their implications for assurance coverage.
• Ability to translate complex risk and control issues into meaningful insights for senior executives and regulators.
• Skilled in balancing independent challenge with constructive engagement to drive improvements in the control environment.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to anticipate and address emerging risks and challenges.
• Innovative problem-solving abilities, with a focus on developing practical solutions that enhance the organization's risk management capabilities.