Compliance & Governance Manager APAC

Summary of the Role:

The Compliance & Governance Manager (APAC-Region) is responsible for supporting the company's global compliance framework and ensuring its effective application in the Asia-Pacific region. The role primarily supports global compliance initiatives, acts regionally where local requirements or risks demand tailored solutions, and provides feedback and improvements to strengthen global programs. This position serves as the key compliance contact point for APAC, reporting to the Global Head of Compliance, and works closely with business leaders to foster a culture of integrity and ethical conduct.

Key Accountabilities:

Regulatory & Legal Compliance

• Support the implementation of global compliance policies and frameworks across APAC operations.
• Monitor and interpret relevant laws and regulations in the region, ensuring local practices align with global standards.
• Act regionally by adapting compliance approaches where local laws or risks require specific measures.

Data Protection & Privacy

• Ensure global data protection standards are applied consistently across APAC.
• Act regionally by implementing training or controls tailored to local privacy laws (e.g. Singapore PDPA, Australia Privacy Act, Japan APPI).
• Provide feedback to global teams on emerging regional data privacy trends and regulatory expectations.

Anti-Bribery & Ethics

• Support global anti-bribery and ethics programs.
• Act regionally when heightened corruption risks or cultural practices require additional measures.
• Feed back insights and lessons learned to help refine and strengthen global training and policies.

Trade, Sanctions & Export Controls

• Ensure regional operations comply with global trade and sanctions requirements.
• Provide localised guidance where APAC trade regulations differ.
• Escalate and feedback regional challenges to improve global screening tools and processes.

Freelancer & Contractor Compliance

• Ensure freelancer and contractor engagements in APAC comply with local labour, tax, and immigration laws.
• Support HR and Legal in monitoring worker classification risks (employee vs. contractor) to avoid misclassification liabilities.
• Ensure freelancers receive relevant compliance onboarding/training (e.g. data protection, anti-bribery) where their role exposes them to compliance risks.
• Provide feedback to global compliance on regional freelancer compliance challenges and help improve policies.

Compliance Program Implementation

• Assist the Global Head of Compliance in rolling out global frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct compliance risk assessments and monitoring in APAC, acting regionally where specific risks are identified.
• Share insights and lessons learned from APAC back into the global compliance program for continuous improvement.

Training & Awareness

• Support the rollout of the global compliance training and awareness program within the APAC region.
• Deliver region-specific training only when required by local regulation or identified risks.
• Contribute to improving and localising global training materials to ensure relevance for APAC audiences.
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical business conduct in alignment with the global compliance framework.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, Risk, or related discipline (legal or compliance qualification desirable).
• Min 5–8 years of compliance (min 3 years as Compliance Officer/Executive in financial institution), risk, or legal experience in a corporate, multinational, or regulatory environment.
• Strong knowledge of APAC regulatory environments, especially in corporate, data privacy, employment, anti-bribery, and labour compliance.
• Experience with freelancer/contractor compliance in APAC jurisdictions is an advantage.
• Proven experience applying global compliance frameworks in regional contexts.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Fluent in English; additional APAC language(s) an advantage.

Key Competencies & Soft Skills

• Integrity & Ethics – Uncompromising commitment to doing the right thing.
• Independence – Able to act autonomously and escalate issues appropriately.
• Self-Driven – Proactive, resourceful, and motivated without close supervision.
• Analytical Thinking – Able to interpret global standards and apply them pragmatically in regional contexts.
• Tech-Savvy – Comfortable using compliance systems and digital tools to enhance efficiency.
• Adaptability – Balances global consistency with local flexibility.
• Collaboration – Acts as a bridge between global compliance leadership and regional stakeholders.
• Communication – Clear, concise, and persuasive in both regional and global settings.
• Problem-Solving – Finds practical solutions that align with global policies while addressing local realities.

What we offer

• A competitive and attractive remuneration package.
• Dynamic and diverse work environment with colleagues from around the world.
• A truly international exposure.
• An open-minded and highly motivated team.
• Interesting and challenging tasks.
• Encourage both teamwork and personal responsibility.
• Great opportunities for professional and personal growth.