Head of Compliance

Environment

Serving 31 million customers in 66 countries, Societe Generale is one of Europe's largest financial services organisations. We employ 146,000 people in 67 countries worldwide. Based on a diversified universal banking model, Societe Generale combines financial solidity and a strategy of sustainable growth. Our objective: to be the leading relationship-focused bank, a reference in its markets, close to its clients and chosen for the quality and commitment of its teams.

Opened in 1981, and located in Sydney, Societe Generale in Australia provides products and services in the areas of financial advisory and global markets for financial institutions. Societe Generale Securities Australia is a full participant of the ASX24 and its businesses range from futures clearing to prime broking and clearing to equity and derivatives sales. Subject to regulatory approval, Societe Generale will provide banking services in Australia from 2019.

There are currently 40 members of staff in Sydney, representing 10 different nationalities, from different business lines and corporate functions. We are currently looking for a Head of Compliance to join us. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team in a growth phase and get hands-on experience within a fast-paced, results focused, global organisation. The successful candidate will be able to build close relationships with the teams onshore and within the organisation more broadly on a regional and global basis.

Mission

Main Responsibilities

The Compliance Department is a part of the Societe Generale Corporate Secretariat and is responsible for monitoring and managing Societe Generale's compliance with the rules for professional conduct and business ethics and the relationship with regulators and exchanges. The Compliance Department in APAC has oversight of compliance and regulatory matters for businesses operating within Societe Generale's branches and subsidiaries in Asia Pacific. The Compliance Department in Australia is a multi-disciplinary team covering all dimensions of the Compliance function.

The successful candidate will report to the Regional Head of Compliance, APAC and will be responsible for the following activities:

The Compliance Department is a part of the Societe Generale Corporate Secretariat and is responsible for monitoring and managing Societe Generale's compliance with the rules for professional conduct and business ethics and the relationship with regulators and exchanges. The Compliance Department in APAC has oversight of compliance and regulatory matters for businesses operating within Societe Generale's branches and subsidiaries in Asia Pacific. The Compliance Department in Australia is a multi-disciplinary team covering all dimensions of the Compliance function.
The successful candidate will report to the Regional Head of Compliance, APAC and will be responsible for the following activities:

1. The effective management of relationships with internal stakeholders (business leaders, staff), including:

• Advising and alerting business leaders on key compliance and regulatory risks (including AML risks) affecting their business areas, offering practical and timely solutions adapted to the business context to address and mitigate these risks, as well as assisting business lines in the implementation of appropriate risk management solutions
• Staying abreast of the business strategy and demonstrating sensitivity to points which may affect the regulatory and reputational risks arising from the implementation of this strategy
• Taking responsibility for the advice given concerning compliance and regulatory risks arising from the introduction of new products and ensure appropriate contribution from the Compliance team to new product approval processes
• Leading and managing compliance advice and other related deliverables for projects and business initiatives
• Developing and delivering appropriate regulatory training for the business line using one-to-one or classroom methodologies
• Assisting the local Head of Compliance and management in reinforcing staff responsibility about good behaviour and the appropriate conduct for a business model and business practices that do not harm market integrity

2. The coordination of the relationship with external bodies, including:

• Developing and maintaining a strong working knowledge of the regulatory and exchange rules and regulations applicable to the business
• Maintaining an awareness of all contact with regulators in Australia relevant to the business and participating personally (where possible) in meetings with regulators on material matters
• Managing timely and accurate responses to regulatory enquiries including liaising with the business and other control and support functions to obtain information as required
• Enhancing a strong understanding of current market practices relating to the operations of the business by developing relationships with the compliance community (e.g. other firms, audit, consulting, legal firms and with trade associations and other industry bodies)
• Being a nominated "Responsible Person" as per APS520
• Being the Anti Money Laundering Officer for the Australian entities

3. The successful and timely delivery of all aspects of the Compliance strategy and roadmap, including:

• Partnering efficiently with the internal Compliance community regionally and globally and with other support and control functions as required to deliver effective articulation of key risks to management and business leaders
• Escalating regulatory and reputational issues and risks in a proactive and timely manner to the Regional Head of Compliance, APAC
• Oversee the procedures and controls within the Compliance team, including driving a process of continuous improvement (and simplification where possible) of the existing framework as well as introducing new procedures and controls where appropriate

Profile

• Strong working knowledge of Corporations Act, Banking and Finance Law, Australian Standards and other relevant legislation
• Proven experience of the Australian licensing and banking regimes
• Knowledge and understanding of brokerage business - exchange-traded futures and options, equities and FX products
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) with proven ability to communicate effectively and convincingly on Compliance and regulatory matters to a broad range of stakeholders
• Previous managerial experience with proven leadership skills
• Action-oriented mindset with a genuine curiosity about new markets, products and regulatory constraints
• Proven ability to work independently and a capacity to take initiative within one's scope of responsibility
• Ability to work remotely in an efficient way with partners based in regional and head office locations
• Tertiary legal, accounting or other professional qualifications and at least 10-15 years in the Compliance profession with at least 5 years in a senior position, preferably with experience as the Head of Department