Reporting to the Head of Digital Strategy, SMBC Singapore, this role will lead the planning and execution of SMBC's digital strategy on a global basis, incorporating Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) activities, strategic collaboration, and new business development.
Based in Singapore as a regional and global hub, the role works closely with SMBC Head Office in Tokyo, APAC branches, and other regions including the United States, as well as with external partners and ecosystem participants.
Through close coordination with internal stakeholders and strategic partners, the role contributes to business innovation, customer value creation, and capability enhancement across regions.
Key Responsibilities:
Digital Strategy & Corporate Venture Capital Initiatives
- Lead and support global digital strategy initiatives, integrating Corporate Venture Capital activities as a key execution pillar.
- Contribute to the development and advancement of CVC strategies, aligned with SMBC's medium- to long-term business and digital priorities.
- Support fund operation and management activities, including governance frameworks, KPI management, reporting, and coordination with relevant internal stakeholders.
- Drive strategic collaboration initiatives with portfolio companies, alliance partners, and ecosystem participants to translate innovation into business value.
- Coordinate with Head Office and regional stakeholders to align priorities, themes, and roadmaps across regions.
New Business Development & Customer Value Creation
- Lead and support the exploration of new business opportunities leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, data, and digital financial solutions.
- Promote the creation and expansion of customer-facing solutions derived from CVC activities, partnerships, and strategic collaborations.
- Work with Head Office and regional business units to enhance customer value propositions and organizational capabilities.
- Support early-stage business design, validation, and go-to-market preparation through structured planning and stakeholder coordination.
Program / Project Management (Global & Regional)
- Lead program and project management (PMO) for digital strategy, collaboration, and new business initiatives across APAC and other regions.
- Facilitate horizontal deployment and scaling of successful initiatives, best practices, and capabilities across the group.
- Promote collaboration with multi-franchise strategic partner financial institutions and other key partners.
- Align and manage stakeholders across Head Office, regions, and external partners to ensure effective execution of initiatives.
External Communication & Ecosystem Engagement
- Lead and support external communication and thought leadership related to digital strategy, innovation, and collaboration.
- Plan and execute events, innovation programs, and ecosystem engagements to strengthen SMBC's digital positioning globally.
- Develop and deliver presentations, narratives, and materials for internal and external audiences.
Job Requirements:
Business & Technical Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional qualifications such as CFA or CPA are an advantage.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in banking, financial services, consulting, or related fields, with exposure to Japanese corporate clients.
- Strong understanding of banking business practices and experience working with Japanese corporates outside Japan.
- Experience in digital strategy, transformation initiatives, or cross-border programs is preferred.
- Proficiency in Japanese is required to liaise with Head Office and prepare materials for Japanese stakeholders.
- Knowledge of regulatory and governance considerations in cross-border financial services is an advantage.
Added Advantage
- Experience related to Corporate Venture Capital strategy, fund operation, or governance.
- Exposure to corporate strategy, business planning, or new business development.
- Experience in strategic partnerships, alliances, or collaboration management.
Characteristics & Competencies
- Strong systems and process thinking, using data and logic for sound decision-making.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work autonomously and take ownership.
- Ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders across functions and regions.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
- Ability to frame issues and opportunities from first principles.
- Flexibility and adaptability to adjust priorities according to business needs.
- Ability to align stakeholders across Head Office, regions, and external partners.
- Ability to inspire others and contribute positively to organizational objectives.
