AFC Governance & Strategy Specialist/ AVP

Job description

SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves. Who we are United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future. Role Summary Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We're looking for an Anti-Financial Crime Governance & Strategy Specialist (AVP) for our Anti-Financial Crime Department to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to play a key role in strengthening SMBC's Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) framework within an evolving regulatory environment. Working closely with stakeholders across SMBC EU, EMEA, and the wider Group, you will support regulatory change initiatives, governance activities, and strategic AFC projects, helping ensure the Bank remains aligned with regulatory expectations and best practices in financial crime risk management. About this role The Anti-Financial Crime Governance & Strategy team is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the Bank's AFC framework, ensuring effective governance, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of strategic initiatives across the AFC function. The team plays a central role in supporting regulatory change, policy management, audit remediation, and AFC governance activities across SMBC EU and the wider EMEA region. In this role you will be responsabile for: Supporting the maintenance and enhancement of the SMBC EU AFC framework , including policies, procedures, standards, and governance documentation Assisting with the implementation of regulatory developments , including impact assessments, gap analyses, action tracking, and policy updates Coordinating AFC governance activities, including stakeholder engagement, committee preparation, and follow-up on agreed actions Supporting internal audits, regulatory reviews, and assurance activities through the coordination of information requests and remediation tracking Preparing management reporting and governance materials for senior management, the MLRO, committees, and Head Office stakeholders Consolidating reporting and governance inputs from branches and subsidiaries to support AFC oversight and decision-making Assisting with the planning and coordination of AFC initiatives, projects, and strategic activities across SMBC EU and EMEA The anticipated salary range for this role is €66,000 - €99,000 , with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision. Profile Description For you to succeed in this role Proven experience of 3-5 years within financial services or a related industry, ideally within Anti-Financial Crime Compliance, Financial Crime, Compliance, Risk, or Audit University degree in Law, Business, Economics, Banking, or an equivalent qualification Knowledge of Anti-Financial Crime frameworks , governance processes, and regulatory change management within a regulated environment Experience supporting policy development, audit remediation, governance activities, or regulatory implementation initiatives Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English What will you bring to the role? Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and propose practical solutions Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate activities across a range of stakeholders Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills , with the confidence to work across business, Compliance, Risk, and Control functions A proactive and detail-oriented approach, with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to wider team objectives and strategic initiatives Desirable Exposure to regulatory change programmes, including AMLD6, the EU AML Package, or other financial crime-related regulatory developments Experience supporting governance committees, senior management reporting, or regulatory interactions Knowledge of AML, KYC, Sanctions, or broader Financial Crime Compliance topics Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in Anti-Financial Crime, Compliance, Risk Management, or Audit would be advantageous Competencies Customer Focus Driving Change Driving Results Embraces Diversity Enterprise Leadership Judgement and Decision Making Risk Management Strategic and Visionary Trust and Integrity What we offer For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks. As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you: Hybrid and flexible working Competitive paid leave days Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities Ambitious remuneration package So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today! We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested. We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices. Compensation is determined using objective criteria, including skills, experience, and role responsibilities, and applied consistently throughout our recruitment processes. We do not request candidates' pay history and are committed to preventing unjustified pay disparities.