Legal & Compliance Manager, Japan Based

Overview

Our client is a rapidly growing international financial services platform preparing to expand its presence in Japan. As part of this growth strategy, the organization is seeking an experienced Legal & Compliance Manager to lead the development of its legal, regulatory, and compliance infrastructure within the Japanese market.

This individual will play a critical role in supporting market entry initiatives, establishing governance and risk frameworks, managing regulatory relationships, and providing practical legal guidance to business stakeholders. The position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the foundation of a regulated business from the ground up while working closely with regional and global leadership teams. This is Japan based role.

Responsibilities Legal & Regulatory Advisory

• Provide legal and regulatory guidance on a broad range of business activities and strategic initiatives within Japan.
• Advise senior management on regulatory obligations, risk considerations, and compliance requirements associated with business expansion and new product offerings.
• Support licensing, registration, and regulatory approval processes where applicable.
  
  

Compliance & Governance

• Design, implement, and continuously enhance compliance programs, policies, and internal control frameworks.
• Establish governance structures and risk management practices that align with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, integrity, and regulatory compliance across the organization.
  
  

Regulatory Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for interactions with relevant regulatory authorities and industry bodies.
• Coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries, reviews, inspections, and ongoing supervisory requests.
• Maintain constructive relationships with regulators and monitor evolving regulatory expectations.
  
  

Commercial & Corporate Legal Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including customer, vendor, partnership, and service contracts.
• Provide legal support for corporate initiatives, business partnerships, and operational projects.
• Manage external legal advisers and ensure cost-effective delivery of legal services.
  
  

Risk & Compliance Management

• Conduct compliance and regulatory risk assessments across business activities.
• Oversee key compliance areas such as financial crime prevention, sanctions compliance, data protection, consumer protection, and third-party risk management.
• Identify emerging risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with business, operations, finance, technology, HR, and other control functions to support growth initiatives.
• Balance commercial objectives with legal, regulatory, and reputational risk considerations.
• Deliver training and guidance to employees on relevant legal and compliance matters.
  
  

Requirements Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Compliance, Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 10-15 years of legal, compliance, regulatory, or risk management experience within financial services.
• Strong understanding of Japanese financial regulations and governance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing compliance and control frameworks within a regulated environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience working with regulators, external advisers, and senior executives.
• Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English to liaise with the stakeholders.
  
  

Preferred Background

• Experience within fintech, payments, banking, digital financial services, merchant acquiring, or related regulated sectors.
• Previous involvement in business expansion, market entry, licensing, or regulatory approval projects.
• Legal qualification in Japan or another major jurisdiction is advantageous.
• Experience operating within an international or multinational organization.
  
  

Ideal Candidate


This opportunity is well suited to a commercially minded legal and compliance professional who enjoys building frameworks, solving complex regulatory challenges, and working in fast-growing environments. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with practical business judgment, outstanding communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

EA: JAC Recruitment Pte. Ltd.

EA Licence: 90C3026

EA Personnel: R24123855

EA Personnel Name: Mei Kamioka

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