Control Risks VANTAGE is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader to lead our APAC operations. VANTAGE is a global practice, but we recognise the necessity for a senior figure to elevate our activities in the region to enhance research output, foster engagement with senior colleagues across practices, and drive local client relationships within the financial sector in Hong Kong and China, and elsewhere in the region.

Operating across APAC, the role will oversee the teams and shape the future operational strategy for VANTAGE. Reporting to the Global VANTAGE Partner in London, this role is a pivotal link between our global vision and regional execution.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Operational strategy and excellence

• Working closely with the VANTAGE Global Partner, take leadership of VANTAGE activity in the APAC region, with oversight of three research teams of up to  30 people
• Have direct leadership of regional diligence research team, and dotted line management over other non-diligence team members, specifically client services in Singapore, and regional sales professionals.
• Work closely with VANTAGE Global Research Director to drive operational strategy among local diligence team, and ensure relevant capability, methodologies, capacity management, and team suitability and balance to deliver the highest levels of quality output for varying client needs and reporting types.
• Run training, develop capacity, and introduce best practices to handle anticipated capital market and FI diligence work in region.
• Work closely with VANTAGE Global Head of Client Services to ensure client service best practice in the region.
• Work closely with Control Risks APAC leadership in influencing regional strategy, including China-specific research, operational, data and privacy challenges, and potential future resourcing in new locations such as Malaysia.
• Work closely with leadership of other practices in APAC to maximize commercial opportunities and collaboration

 Regional Commercial focus

• The Head of VANTAGE APAC will focus on expanding engagement with Hong Kong and China-based FIs. This entails developing new product and pricing strategies in collaboration with both senior VANTAGE colleagues and the wider Control Risks business to significantly boost our presence in this market
• The Head of VANTAGE APAC will assist in commercial activities across the region, collaborating with regional VANTAGE commercial teams, Markets & Partnerships/Account Management teams, and colleagues in other practices. Highlighting the value of VANTAGE and its solutions to win work effectively.
• Drive sales growth by positioning VANTAGE as the top provider of compliance due diligence and screening products. Ensure high-quality outputs are delivered promptly and invoices are processed efficiently, enhancing third-party confidence in our offering
• Elevate VANTAGE’S brand as a leading compliance and diligence solution both internally and externally. Drive new commercial opportunities by advocating for VANTAGE’ prominence in the market
• Have dotted line management of all VANTAGE commercial members in the region – be that CSMs or Sales people.
• Support commercial teams as needed negotiating proposals and contracts with customers and ensure their profitability
• Provide subject-matter expertise to geo-market leaders across the region
• Monitor market changes to identify new opportunities
• Cross-selling of other Control Risks services as and when appropriate

Product and service development

• Work with the global leadership team to drive ongoing innovation of the product and servicing through constant engagement with the market and clients

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred)
• Strong English-language verbal and written communication skills

• Demonstrate industry experience in due diligence/third party compliance/investigations sector in Asia.
• Deep experience working in and leading regional research teams to produce high quality timely diligence and research output.
• A detailed understanding of the regional financial services market along with key relationships.
• A strong understanding of research and operational challenges in the region, including China specific research requirements, and a willingness to lean into Control Risks strategic decision making on these issues.
• Proven track record winning work from financial service clients, and understanding broader commercial opportunities relevant to VANTAGE
• Candidate must be proactive, entrepreneurial, compelling, and exceptional in front of clients and colleagues, with a high degree of personal confidence to build relationships.
• Comfortable operating in a matrixed working environment, with the ability to build trusted internal relationships.
• Is sensitive and responsive to individual and cultural differences, adjusting style to get the best from individuals.
• Maintains high standards in dealing with people, is a role model and leads teams and individual performance in a consistent and professional manner.
• Ensures sound commercial awareness applied to all solutions, harnessing margin improvement.
• Analyse situations with a global perspective, considering broader implications beyond the immediate team or department.
• Innovate to meet organisational, market, and client needs effectively.
• Drive high performance and meet client needs through effective decision-making
• Inspires a determination to achieve high standards
• Account management experience.
• Pitching to C-level stakeholders, particularly Heads of Financial Crime, Chief Compliance Officers and Chief Ethics officers.
• Significant client-facing experience
• Exceptional communication skills
• Strong presentation skills

Preferred

Proficiency in Mandarin and/or Cantonese

• Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package.
• Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasise the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.

Control Risks is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.