Description

• By backed a gloabl reputable cross border payment company
• Rapidly expanding in Greater China

About Our Client

Our client is a rapidly expanding cross-border payments and financial technology group with strong China roots and international ambitions. As part of their strategic growth plan, they are building a regulated financial services platform in Hong Kong, encompassing securities dealing, investment advisory, asset management, and future virtual asset-related activities.

Our client is seeking an experienced Responsible Officer (RO) to lead our SFC-regulated business, strengthen regulatory governance, and play a pivotal role in obtaining and maintaining Virtual Asset-related regulatory approvals while supporting new business initiatives.

Job Description

Regulatory Oversight & Responsible Officer Duties

• Serve as Responsible Officer for Type 1, Type 4 and Type 9 regulated activities.
• Ensure full compliance with the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO), Codes of Conduct, Fund Manager Code of Conduct and all applicable SFC regulations.
• Act as the principal liaison with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
• Oversee licensing maintenance, annual returns, notifications, inspections and regulatory examinations.
• Supervise all regulated activities and ensure appropriate controls, governance and management oversight.
• Review and approve regulated business activities, marketing materials, client agreements and investment documentation.

Virtual Asset Licensing & Regulatory Development

• Lead the firm's Virtual Asset regulatory strategy and licensing roadmap.
• Work closely with external legal counsel, compliance consultants and regulators on licensing applications and regulatory engagements.
• Develop governance, risk management and compliance frameworks for Virtual Asset-related activities.
• Advise management on SFC requirements relating to:
• Virtual Asset dealing
• Virtual Asset advisory services
• Tokenized products
• Digital asset fund management
• Institutional digital trading businesses
• Maintain awareness of evolving Hong Kong and international digital asset regulations.

Business Expansion & Strategic Growth

• Partner with the executive team to identify and launch new regulated business initiatives.
• Assess regulatory implications of new products and services.
• Participate in strategic planning, M&A evaluations and regional expansion projects.
• Support institutional client acquisition and development efforts.
• Provide regulatory guidance to business units in Hong Kong and Greater China.

Risk Management & Governance

• Establish and maintain enterprise-wide compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with:
• AML/CFT requirements
• KYC/CDD/EDD obligations
• Client asset protection rules
• Financial Resources Rules (FRR)
• Present risk and compliance matters to senior management and the Board.
• Lead regulatory reviews, audits and remediation projects.

Team Leadership

• Build and manage compliance, risk and regulatory affairs functions.
• Conduct training programs to enhance regulatory awareness across the organization.
• Mentor licensed representatives and management personnel.
• Foster a strong compliance culture that supports sustainable business growth.

The Successful Applicant

Must Have

• Currently approved by the SFC (or immediately eligible for approval) as Responsible Officer for:
• Type 1
• Type 4
• Type 9
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in:
• Securities
• Asset management
• Wealth management
• Brokerage
• Fintech
• Licensed financial institutions
• Minimum 3 years' experience as:
• Responsible Officer
• Manager-In-Charge (MIC)
• Senior Compliance / Regulatory Executive
• Strong experience dealing directly with the Hong Kong SFC.

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on experience with:
• SFC licensing applications
• License upgrades and business expansion projects
• Regulatory inspections and remediation exercises
• Experience in:
• Virtual Assets
• Digital Assets
• Tokenization
• Crypto-related financial products
• Digital asset fund management
• Previous employment with:
• SFC-licensed corporations
• Virtual asset platforms
• Securities brokers
• Asset managers
• International fintech firms
• Chinese financial institutions

Professional Knowledge

Strong understanding of:

• Hong Kong Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO)
• Virtual Asset regulatory framework
• Fund Manager Code of Conduct
• AML/CFT regulations
• Corporate governance
• Risk management
• Cross-border financial services

Language Requirements

• Fluent English and Mandarin
• Cantonese highly preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with regulators, institutional clients and senior stakeholders

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead and own the firm's virtual asset regulatory roadmap.
• Involvement in:
  • Virtual Asset dealing
  • Tokenized investment products
  • Digital asset fund management
  • Institutional digital asset business
• Direct engagement with regulators, legal advisors, and strategic partners.