As the Senior Manager / Head Investment Products & Advisory in an Independent Financial Advisory (FA) firm, you will be the primary steward of the firm's investment governance framework and product due diligence standards, ensuring full alignment with MAS regulatory requirements under the Financial Advisers Act (FAA).
You will oversee the end-to-end investment product lifecycle, from assessment to approval, ensuring that all products recommended to clients meet MAS suitability expectations, risk-profiling requirements, and ongoing monitoring obligations. This role also leads Model Portfolio governance, advisor enablement, and market insights to ensure advisory recommendations remain robust, compliant, and client-centric
You will work closely with Compliance, advisory leaders, and management to ensure that the firm's investment processes adhere strictly to MAS notices, guidelines, conduct standards, and documentation expectations. This is a senior strategic role that helps safeguard the firm's regulatory reputation while elevating investment standards and client outcomes.
Investment Product Governance & MAS-Aligned Due Diligence
- Lead the due diligence process of investment products (funds, ILPs, structured products) in full compliance with MAS FAA requirements, including but not limited to suitability standards and product assessment obligations.
- Maintain and update the Approved Product List (APL) in accordance with MAS expectations for ongoing monitoring, product suitability, and advisory controls.
- Ensure product documentation, due diligence files, and internal assessments are aligned with MAS Notices
- Collaborate with Compliance to ensure regulatory gaps are identified and remediated.
High Conviction List & Fund Research (Regulatory-Compliant Process)
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative fund assessments to curate the High Conviction List with documented rationale aligned to FAA-G11 suitability expectations.
- Ensure all recommendations are supported by robust research and clearly stated risk disclosures.
Model Portfolio Construction & Governance
- Oversee the creation and maintenance of Model Portfolios consistent with MAS expectations on product selection, client risk profiles, and advisory documentation.
- Implement changes to portfolio allocations based on market conditions while adhering to risk management and regulatory suitability principles.
- Ensure periodic reviews, performance evaluations, and rebalancing are documented and compliant.
Market Commentary & Research Leadership
- Produce investment commentaries, economic outlooks, and fund insights with regulatory-compliant disclosures.
- Ensure all communication materials to advisors and clients adhere to MAS advertising and representation requirements.
Advisor Training & Conduct Supervision Support
- Deliver targeted training to advisors on product suitability, portfolio construction, risk disclosure, and MAS requirements governing recommendations.
- Support advisors in complex investment cases with guidance rooted in MAS-aligned best practices.
- Promote proper advisory conduct consistent with FAA and all applicable MAS notices.
Compliance & Regulatory Engagement
- Work closely with the Compliance department to uphold MAS standards on:
Product governance
Suitability documentation
Advisory processes
Sales materials and disclosures
Participate in regulatory audits or reviews and support the maintenance of strong internal controls.
Leadership, Controls, and Strategic Initiatives
- Lead initiatives to strengthen the investment governance framework, ensuring robust controls and adherence to MAS expectations.
- Mentor junior team members in investment research and compliance-aware processes.
- Lead cross-functional improvements to enhance suitability, advisory quality, and operational efficiency.
Ad-Hoc & Strategic Contributions
- Support senior management with strategic investment initiatives and regulatory-related projects.
- Execute assignments with high accountability and alignment to regulatory rigor.
Requirements
- 57+ years of experience in investments, wealth advisory, or product research, preferably within an Independent FA, private bank, or asset management firm.
- Strong understanding of the MAS FAA regulatory framework, including suitability, disclosure, product due diligence, and documentation standards.
- Demonstrated experience working directly with compliance teams and regulatory auditors.
- Strong presentation skills and the ability to translate complex investment concepts into advisor-friendly insights.
- Strong analytical, due diligence, and critical-thinking capabilities.
Education & Certifications
- Degree in Finance, Economics, Investments, or related fields.
- Professional certifications such as CFA, CFP, or completion of relevant CMFAS modules (e.g., M5, M6, M8, M9, M8A, M9A, HI) are highly preferred and may be required under MAS fit & proper standards.
