Vice President, Corporate Service & Governance, Governance Planning Dept.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

Job Responsibilities

Internal Governance Framework & Enhancement

• Plan, design, and oversee internal governance initiatives across Singapore and the APAC region in line with global/local regulations and Head Office expectations.
• Establish, review, and continuously improve regional and local governance frameworks and governance documentation, working with relevant stakeholders across APAC countries.
• Act as a central coordination point for internal governance matters among Head Office, regional headquarters, and local stakeholders.

Executive Governance Forums (EMC / GSGM)

• Maintain, operate, and continuously enhance key governance forums, including the Executive Management Committee (EMC) and Global Steering Group Meetings (GSGM).
• Ensure effective governance processes and decision-making discipline, including agenda planning, materials coordination, decision tracking, and follow-up actions.

Department Planning & Cross-cutting Initiatives

• Oversee department-level planning and operational coordination matters within GPDAP, including budget planning and monitoring, prioritization, and cross-functional alignment.
• Lead cross-cutting governance initiatives and ad-hoc priorities, including the establishment and continuous enhancement of Operational Resilience frameworks, to strengthen governance discipline, transparency, and accountability across Singapore and the APAC region.
• Drive initiatives in emerging areas (e.g., AI) to ensure appropriate governance principles, controls, and sustainable implementation.
• Serve as the central planning, coordination, and escalation point for cross-cutting governance themes and department-wide initiatives (e.g., incident response and issue escalation), in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Policy Implementation

• Support and coordinate, in partnership with relevant control functions, the implementation and embedding of global/local regulatory requirements, including applicable Head Office policies, standards, and internal rules.
• Support governance aspects of inspections and audits as required, ensuring appropriate coordination and timely follow-ups.

Corporate Governance Infrastructure

• Consolidate and manage internal and Head Office–related reporting and submissions, working closely with relevant stakeholders.
• Manage internal rules, policies, and governance documentation from an internal governance perspective (maintenance, updates, communication, and document control).

Job Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in Compliance, Risk Management, and/or Risk & Control functions in a bank is essential; broader exposure to internal governance is an added advantage.
• Experience in implementing, advising on, and executing regulatory frameworks, internal policies, and governance standards is highly desirable.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively in a matrix and cross-border environment, including engagement with senior management. 
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively with senior management and diverse stakeholders.  Experience presenting to senior management in a Japanese organization is highly advantageous.   
• High level of judgment and discretion in handling confidential or sensitive governance matters.
• Business-level English required; fluent Japanese language skill is highly preferred, as the role requires regular communication with Head Office in Japan and some key stakeholders whose main language is Japanese.  
• Experience working in a multicultural, regional organization. Collaborative mindset with good interpersonal skills.