Executive Director, Risk & Control (Global Markets Operations) - based in Singapore or Hong Kong

We are partnering exclusively with a leading global financial institution on the appointment of an Executive Director, Risk & Control – Global Markets Operations (based in Singapore or Hong Kong) . This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced risk and operations professional to drive the evolution of embedded risk management within a complex, fast-paced financial services environment.

This role will sit at the intersection of Operations and independent risk oversight, leading the execution of a 1.5 line of defense model across the organization. The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening operational risk frameworks, enhancing governance, and ensuring robust controls are embedded into day-to-day operations and strategic transformation initiatives.

A key focus of the mandate will be overseeing the risk and control framework surrounding the transition of selected Middle Office functions into Operations, ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience throughout the change journey.

1. Lead the strategic development and execution of the Risk & Control function within Operations, balancing commercial effectiveness with strong governance and oversight
2. Drive the implementation of embedded risk management capabilities that support operational decision-making while maintaining appropriate challenge and independence
3. Define governance boundaries, escalation protocols, and oversight mechanisms across first and second line stakeholders
4. Oversee risk and control assessments for Middle Office functions transitioning into Operations, identifying integration risks, control gaps, and remediation priorities
5. Establish and enhance control frameworks to support organizational change, regulatory compliance, and sustainable operational performance
6. Lead the evolution of Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA), operational risk reporting, metrics, dashboards, and escalation frameworks
7. Partner closely with Operations, Compliance, Operational Risk, Internal Audit, and business stakeholders on risk aggregation, governance, and transformation initiatives
8. Act as a key representative for Operations in regulatory, audit, and enterprise-wide risk discussions
9. Oversee operational incident management, root cause analysis, and control improvement initiatives
10. Champion the use of data, automation, and advanced analytics to improve risk visibility, control effectiveness, and early warning capabilities
11. Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of embedded risk and control professionals within Operations

1. At least 15 years of relevant experience across Operations, Operational Risk, Controls, and/or Middle Office within financial services
2. Strong leadership experience managing complex, cross-functional teams in large matrixed organizations
3. Proven track record in designing and implementing operational risk and control frameworks within front-to-back business or operations environments
4. Experience supporting business transformation, organizational change, or functional integration while maintaining a robust control environment
5. Deep understanding of capital markets and wealth management products, processes, and operational workflows
6. Strong knowledge of key Operations functions such as trade processing, settlements, reconciliation, onboarding, trade validation, and regulatory reporting
7. Familiarity with the three lines of defense model, with the ability to operate effectively in a 1.5 line capacity
8. Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders across Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Audit
9. Experience with data-led risk management, process improvement, and automation initiatives would be advantageous
10. Advanced degree or relevant professional qualifications in Risk, Finance, Business, or a related discipline preferred

Please reach out to Matthew NG on [email protected] directly for a confidential discussion.

Only successful candidates will be notified. EA License No: 16S8066 | Registration No. R1108941