Head of Conduct Risk and Culture

 SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.

In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $230,000.00 and $275,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.

Role Description

The Head of Conduct Management and Culture will oversee and lead the firm’s Conduct Management and Culture program. This role includes the critical responsibility of managing the control framework aimed at mitigating conduct risk while reinforcing SMBC’s commitment to integrity. Collaborating with key stakeholders across first-line business units and second-line functions, this leader will ensure alignment with policy requirements, conduct themes, and cultural expectations.

Role Objectives

• Lead the development and execution of the centralized conduct management and culture framework, including the creation and maintenance of policies, standards, and monitoring processes.
• Implement awareness campaigns and training programs to embed the firm’s cultural values across the organization.
• Partner with business heads and risk functions to enhance awareness of conduct trends, themes, and risk management practices, providing strategic advice and insights.
• Oversee the employee breach management program, offering expert guidance to compliance policy owners and leveraging data analytics to inform targeted action plans.
• Foster strong relationships with compliance teams, business lines, and key support functions such as Legal, HR, and Risk Management to drive alignment and ensure informed decision-making.
• Stay current with regulatory risks and requirements, sharing insights from audits, industry developments, and stakeholder feedback to inform and continuously improve the conduct management framework.
• Lead and participate in internal forums to provide updates on conduct themes and drive collaboration on risk areas, ensuring a proactive approach to conduct management.
• Champion the implementation of the culture training strategy, promoting an inclusive and ethical work environment that aligns with the firm’s cultural values.
• Engage with senior leaders and external counterparts to stay informed on industry trends, incorporating best practices into the firm’s conduct strategy.

Qualifications and Skills

• A college degree is required; an advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Law, Business, Finance) is preferred. Relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS, CRCM) are a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in compliance, risk management, or conduct management within the financial services industry, with significant experience in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards applicable to conduct risk and culture within a large international bank.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing conduct management frameworks and strategies.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with senior executives, business unit leaders, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to leverage data analytics to inform decision-making and policy development.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with experience presenting to senior ma