Director, Compliance & ORM, SEA (Insurance)

A leading global reinsurance provider is seeking a Director of Compliance and Operational Risk Management for their Southeast Asia insurance markets, based in Kuala Lumpur. As part of a multinational team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that business operations across the region remain compliant with Labuan and other SEA regulations (excluding Singapore).

What you'll do:

As Director of Compliance and Operational Risk Management for Southeast Asia, you will be entrusted with overseeing the implementation and maintenance of robust compliance programmes across multiple jurisdictions. Your day-to-day activities will involve close monitoring of regulatory changes, providing insightful guidance to business units on policy enhancements, preparing detailed reports for various governance bodies, supporting internal audits, delivering targeted training sessions, managing stakeholder relationships with regulators and industry partners, coordinating Shariah advisory processes, and ensuring all compliance documentation remains current. Success in this role requires an ability to navigate complex regulatory environments with sensitivity and precision while fostering a culture of shared responsibility for risk management throughout the organisation.

• Monitor new regulatory developments across Southeast Asia and assess their implications for business operations through comprehensive gap analysis.
• Provide expert compliance advisory services to business units, collaborating closely to enhance policies and processes that address regulatory or control gaps.
• Prepare regular and periodic compliance and risk reports for senior management committees, boards, and global compliance teams to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Support and manage internal compliance audits as well as thematic reviews, ensuring timely resolution of any identified compliance issues.
• Develop, deliver, and monitor effective compliance-related training programmes for associates throughout the Southeast Asia region.
• Liaise with key external stakeholders such as industry associations, insurance managers, company secretarial providers, and regulators regarding filings and branch matters.
• Assist in identifying operational risks that could expose the organisation to regulatory or legal sanctions or otherwise impact branch operations adversely.
• Coordinate Shariah-related matters by organising quarterly advisory council meetings and preparing relevant agendas and minutes.
• Undertake periodic reviews and updates of compliance-related policies and manuals to maintain alignment with evolving regulations.

What you bring:

To excel as Director of Compliance and Operational Risk Management for Southeast Asia Insurance markets, your background should reflect substantial hands-on experience in managing complex regulatory obligations within the insurance sector or similarly regulated environments. Your expertise will include interpreting evolving legislation across multiple countries; developing policies that foster organisational resilience; building trusted relationships both internally among colleagues at all levels as well as externally with regulators; crafting clear communications; delivering impactful training; supporting audit processes; coordinating specialised governance activities such as Shariah advisory councils; and maintaining meticulous records. Your success will be underpinned by your ability to collaborate empathetically within multicultural teams while championing high standards of integrity—ensuring that every aspect of operational risk management is handled thoughtfully for the benefit of all stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Sciences or equivalent qualification demonstrating academic rigour relevant to compliance or risk management roles.
• Minimum 8-9 years’ proven experience in enterprise risk management, operational risk assessment, internal audit or compliance-related fields within the insurance sector or similar regulated industries.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements across multiple Southeast Asian jurisdictions (excluding Singapore) with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration with cross-functional teams as well as external stakeholders such as regulators or industry bodies.
• Excellent written communication skills for preparing clear reports, training materials, meeting agendas, minutes, and policy documents.
• Experience designing and delivering engaging training sessions on compliance topics tailored to diverse audiences within an organisation.
• Proven track record supporting internal audits or thematic reviews by identifying issues promptly and facilitating practical solutions.
• Familiarity with Shariah governance frameworks or willingness to coordinate related advisory council activities is highly desirable.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards while nurturing a culture of openness, respectfulness, dependability, inclusivity, and continuous learning.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of the world’s most admired companies due to its unwavering commitment to purpose-driven work that genuinely impacts people’s lives. With a primary focus on life- and health-related solutions in reinsurance markets globally, it fosters an inclusive environment where every individual’s contribution is valued. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities designed around personal needs; access to extensive training resources; generous support from experienced colleagues who share knowledge freely; encouragement for pioneering thought; respect for diversity; transparent leadership; communal spirit; dependable networks; supportive growth leadership; and ample opportunities for career advancement. By joining this team in Kuala Lumpur, you become part of a community dedicated not only to professional excellence but also to making meaningful contributions toward financial security for communities across Southeast Asia—and beyond.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in compliance leadership further while making a positive difference in the insurance industry across Southeast Asia, this is your moment—apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link or contact Aaron Low at Aaron.Low@robertwalters.com.my or +603 2303 7070

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C