VP-Compliance at East West Bank in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Introduction

Since 1973, East West Bank has served as a pathway to success. With over 110 locations across the U.S. and Asia, we are the premier financial bridge between the East and West. Our teams of experienced, multi-cultural professionals help guide businesses and community members on both sides of the Pacific looking to explore new markets and create new opportunities, and our sustained growth and expertise in industries like real estate, entertainment and media, private equity and venture capital, and high-tech help build sustainable businesses and expand our associates’ potential for career advancement.

Headquartered in California, East West Bank (Nasdaq: EWBC) is a top-performing commercial bank with a strong foundation, an enterprising spirit and a commitment to absolute integrity. East West Bank gives people the confidence to reach further.

Overview

This role sits within the Compliance function.The incumbent will play a key role in providing compliance advisory, conducting compliance reviews, and driving compliance initiatives to ensure the firm meets its regulatory obligations and maintains a strong compliance culture.

At VP level, the role requires a balance of hands-on execution and independent judgment, with increasing ownership in stakeholder management and delivery of key initiatives.

Responsibilities

1. Central Compliance (Primary Focus)

• Provide proactive compliance advisory to business units and support functions on regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Handle and interpret new/revised HKMA’s and SFC’s requirements including impact assessment, communication to stakeholders, and tracking implementation progress.
• Handle all licensing matters, including applications, renewals, variations, regulatory filings, and ongoing compliance with licensing requirements.
• Develop, review, and enhance compliance policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure alignment with regulatory standards and internal requirements.
• Review and update compliance manuals, policies, and Compliance Notices to ensure accuracy and completeness.Develop and implement new policies and procedures in response to regulatory or business changes.
• Liaise with regulators and support regulatory inspections, enquiries, and reporting obligations as required.
• Partner with management and business stakeholders to understand business objectives and provide practical, risk-based compliance guidance.
• Support and/or lead ad hoc projects, thematic reviews, and initiatives as assigned.

2. Compliance Reviews & Monitoring

• Plan and conduct compliance reviews, thematic assessments, and monitoring activities.
• Identify control gaps and emerging risks, and recommend practical remediation actions.
• Prepare clear, concise, and risk-focused reports for management.
• Track and follow up on remediation actions to ensure timely and effective closure.

3. Training & Compliance Culture

• Design, develop, and deliver compliance training programs tailored to business needs.
• Update training materials to reflect regulatory developments and internal policy changes.
• Act as a subject matter expert in relevant compliance areas.

4. Governance & Reporting

• Prepare management information, dashboards, and reports for senior management and governance committees.
• Maintain proper documentation of compliance activities, advisory work, and review outcomes.
• Support internal audit reviews and external regulatory examinations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• 8–12+ years in compliance within banking or financial services.
• Solid knowledge of Hong Kong regulatory environment (HKMA, SFC).
• Professional qualifications under the Enhanced Competency Framework (ECF) on Compliance preferred
• Experience in Product compliance is an advantage.
• Proven experience in compliance advisory, monitoring, and/or regulatory change initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to exercise sound regulatory judgment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence to challenge business decisions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Proficiency in English; Cantonese and/or Mandarin is an advantage.
• Experience in FATCA and CRS is an advantage.