Head / Deputy Head of Legal and Compliance

The institution

A Chinese investment bank in Hong Kong, backed by a major Chinese banking group. The employer is not named. The mandate covers SFC Type 1, 4, 6 and 9 activity across investment banking, global markets, and a limited buy-side book. IPO compliance is part of the seat, not the whole of it.

The work

• Lead legal and compliance advice on SFC Type 1, 4, 6 and 9 licensed activities.
• Cover investment banking, global markets (equities and FICC sales and trading), and limited buy-side work such as bonds and private equity.
• Oversee SFC licence applications, variations, notifications and ongoing licensing compliance.
• Maintain the compliance manual, including conduct, Chinese walls, restricted and watch lists, conflicts, suitability, product due diligence, anti-bribery and AML.
• Guide the business on wall-crossing and conflict management.
• Supervise the control room, disclosure-of-interests compliance, and research and conflict clearance.
• Support investment-banking and IPO compliance without letting it crowd out the rest of the firm.
• Work with the front office on regulatory and reputational risk, and escalate material matters to the CEO and the board.
• Review the compliance monitoring programme and advise on new products.
• Prepare reports for senior management and head office, and deal with the SFC and, where relevant, HKEX.

What they are looking for

• At least ten years in legal or compliance work in financial services, and a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Working experience at the SFC or HKEX, or qualification as a Hong Kong lawyer, is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a Chinese financial institution, investment bank or fund house is desirable. SFC Type 1, 4, 6 or 9 exposure is an advantage.
• Practical IBD and IPO compliance experience, including the sponsor regime, the Listing Rules and SFC and HKEX requirements.
• A record of writing policy, training, and compliance reviews and investigations.
• A working knowledge of the Securities and Futures Ordinance and the rules that apply to licensed corporations in Hong Kong.
• Clear advice to senior management and the front office, and fluency in written and spoken Chinese.