Anti-Financial Crime (Afc) Operations Lead

About UOB
United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in Asia with a global network of more than 500 branches and offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. In Asia, we operate through our head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as branches and offices.
Our history spans more than 80 years. Over this time, we have been guided by our values - Honorable, Enterprising, United and Committed. This means we always strive to do what is right, build for the future, work as one team and pursue long-term success. It is how we work, consistently, be it towards the company, our colleagues or our customers.
Job Responsibilities
+ Operational effectiveness and control
- Oversees operational performance, i.e., cost, business outcomes and operational & AFC risk. Leverage best practices and operational efficiencies across the AFC processes (e.g., Ongoing Review, Review of Business Relationships/ Exit Management, Name Screening)
- Ensures consistent translation, application and fulfilment of the policies, ensures SLAs are met and backlogs are remediated in a timely manner, manages operating metrics. Drives team productivity across the various AML controls (Ongoing Review, Exit Management, Name Screening)
- Continuously reviews existing processes for opportunities to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Manages the effective communication and execution of the strategy
- Improves allocation of resources and realises synergistic opportunities for the function (especially within the centralised Name Screening capability)
- Reviews audit reports, compliance reviews, and QA reports and take appropriate action regarding any significant findings
+ Stakeholder engagement
- Coordinates with Group Retail Management, and works with respective country stakeholders, to align and execute an appropriate vision and long-term strategy that proactively addresses changes in the industry, company and regulatory environment
- Maintains ongoing communication with Compliance to ensure any impact on the AFC operations team is planned for
- Stays informed about changes in regulations and engages Compliance for implementation support
- Implements technology for AFC Operations with the collaboration with IT against the strategy
- Provides timely updates on ongoing activities including significant plans, progress, issues and successes to relevant stakeholders
- Establishes effective reporting disciplines and provides reports and presentations to senior management on significant issues
+ Leadership and capacity management
- Manages the AFC Ops Department, including defining individual roles/responsibilities/goals; hiring; promotions; performance reviews etc. Ensures staff concerns are addressed and team members are given career advancement opportunities in order to maintain high morale and limit attrition
- Defines and delivers strategy for AFC Operations effectively and efficiently with adequate governance around risk and cost
- Establishes and leads an effective, high performing team through communication, performance management, and development planning and reward/recognition practices
- Monitors capacity and identifies skills / knowledge gaps to ensure the Team has the required training, skills, experience and capacity