Executive Director Head of Risk & Controls, Operations Global Markets | Singapore or Hong Kong

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Operations Risk, Business Risk, Controls, or Operations Executive to lead the evolution of a best-in-class 1.5 Line of Defense framework within a global Investment Bank.

This is a highly visible Executive Director appointment, offering the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide risk strategy, operational governance, and organizational transformation across Global Markets Operations.

Reporting to senior Operations leadership, you will be responsible for building and leading an embedded Risk & Controls function that sits at the intersection of Operations, Operational Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit, and Front Office stakeholders. You will play a pivotal role in strengthening the firm's control environment while enabling business growth, operational efficiency, and strategic transformation.

A key strategic priority for this role will be overseeing the risk and control framework supporting the integration of Middle Office functions into Operations, ensuring robust governance, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience throughout the transition.

What You Will Lead

• Define and execute the strategic vision for Risk & Controls across Global Markets Operations.

• Champion a modern 1.5 Line of Defense model, balancing operational effectiveness with independent challenge and oversight.

• Lead the integration of Middle Office functions into Operations, ensuring seamless transition and strong control environments.

• Drive enhancements to RCSA, KRI, issue management, governance, and operational risk frameworks.

• Partner with Operations leadership to embed risk management into business strategy, transformation initiatives, technology programmes, and change agendas.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across Operations, Front Office, Risk Management, Compliance, and Internal Audit.

• Lead regulatory engagements, SOX initiatives, audit interactions, and remediation programmes.

• Build and develop a high-performing team of risk and controls professionals across multiple regions.

Who We Are Looking For

• This opportunity is ideally suited to senior leaders who began their careers within Investment Banking Operations and have subsequently progressed into Risk, Controls, Governance, COO, Business Management, Operational Risk, or Chief Controls Office functions.

Successful candidates will typically bring:

• 12+ years of experience across Investment Banking Operations, Middle Office, Operational Risk, Business Risk, Controls, Governance, or COO functions.

• Deep understanding of Global Markets products and post-trade operations, including trade lifecycle management, settlements, reconciliations, client onboarding, regulatory reporting, and control frameworks.

• Proven experience leading large-scale operational transformation, control enhancement, or organizational integration initiatives.

• Strong exposure to regulatory examinations, audit management, risk governance, and operational resilience programmes.

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive change across complex global organizations.

• Experience operating within, or partnering closely with, 1st Line, 1.5 Line, and 2nd Line Risk functions.

Please email your resume to Shereen Tan at [Confidential Information] for a confidential discussion.

EA License no: 16S8066 | Reg no.: R1107874

Only successful candidates will be notified.