Head of Legal & Compliance (Foreign Banking)

Location Ho Chi Minh City
Industry Financial Services – Banking/Insurance
Category Legal/Compliance
Job reference 18267
Job type Permanent
Consultant email khuong.le@manpower.com.vn
Consultant contact no +84 90502 6864
Date posted May 08, 2025

We’re looking for a Head of Legal & Compliance to join a top foreign bank in HCMC.

Job Summary

You will lead and oversee all legal, regulatory, and compliance functions for the foreign bank in Vietnam, ensuring adherence to local laws (SBV, MOF, VAS) and global compliance standards. The role will drive a strong compliance culture, mitigate legal risks, and act as the key liaison with regulators (SBV, VAFI, etc.).

Key Accountabilities

Legal & Regulatory Advisory

  • Provide strategic legal guidance on banking laws (e.g., SBV Circulars, AML/CFT, PDPA, Labor Code).
  • Review and advise on new products, contracts, and business initiatives to ensure compliance.
  • Represent the bank in regulatory discussions, audits, and inspections.

Compliance Framework & Risk Management

  • Implement and monitor Group Compliance Policies (AML, KYC, Sanctions, Data Privacy).
  • Develop local compliance procedures aligned with Vietnam regulations and international standards.
  • Conduct compliance risk assessments and lead remediation efforts.

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

  • Act as the primary contact for SBV, VAFI, and other regulators.
  • Advise senior management on emerging regulatory changes (e.g., Basel III, cybersecurity laws).
  • Coordinate with internal audit, risk, and business teams to ensure compliance.

Training & Culture Building

  • Design and deliver compliance training for employees.
  • Promote a culture of ethics and compliance across the branch.

Job Requirements

  • Law degree (LLB/JD) or equivalent; CAMS, ICA Diploma, or other compliance certifications are a plus.
  • 12+ years in legal & compliance, preferably in a foreign bank branch or wholly foreign-owned bank (WFOE) in Vietnam.
  • Deep expertise in Vietnam banking regulations (SBV, AML/CFT, PDPA, Anti-Corruption Law) and Global compliance standards (e.g., FATF, OFAC, GDPR).
  • Strong communication, leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Why Join Us?

🌏 Global exposure in a leading foreign bank.

💼 Competitive salary & benefits.

📈 Career growth in a dynamic regulatory environment.

Note: Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified due to application volume. Thank you for your interest.