About this Senior VP, AML Operations_ Group Retail role at UOB (United Overseas Bank)
About UOB
United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in Asia with a global network of more than 500 branches and offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. In Asia, we operate through our head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as branches and offices. Our history spans more than 80 years. Over this time, we have been guided by our values – Honorable, Enterprising, United and Committed. This means we always strive to do what is right, build for the future, work as one team and pursue long-term success. It is how we work, consistently, be it towards the company, our colleagues or our customers.
Job Description
The Senior Vice President, AML Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and execution of AML Operations across cluster and non-cluster teams. This role oversees end-to-end AML operational activities ensuring strong operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and sustainable productivity.
The incumbent will drive operational excellence, risk management, and continuous improvement while partnering closely with Group Compliance, Technology, and senior business stakeholders to meet evolving regulatory and business expectations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Overall AML Operations Leadership
Provide end-to-end leadership and accountability for AML Operations
Manage both cluster and non-cluster AML Operations, ensuring consistent standards, performance, and risk outcomes across teams.
Define and execute the AML Operations strategy in alignment with Group Anti-Financial Crime objectives and regulatory expectations.
2. Operational Effectiveness, Productivity & Control
Drive operational excellence by continuously reviewing and enhancing processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and quality.
Oversee operational performance including cost management, productivity, service levels, and AFC risk outcomes.
Ensure consistent application of AML policies, procedures, and standards across all AML processes.
Monitor and manage SLAs, operating metrics, and backlogs; ensure timely remediation of issues and capacity gaps.
Leverage best practices, standardisation, and automation opportunities across AML processes to realise synergies and productivity gains.
Optimise resource allocation across teams to support business demand and regulatory priorities.
Review audit findings, compliance reviews, QA results, and regulatory feedback; ensure timely and effective remediation of significant issues.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Governance
Partner with Group Retail Management, Group Compliance, and key stakeholders to shape a forward-looking AML Operations vision and long-term strategy.
Maintain close and proactive engagement with Group Compliance to anticipate regulatory changes and plan operational impact.
Stay abreast of current and emerging regulatory requirements (including MAS expectations) and ensure effective operational implementation.
Define the AML Operations technology strategy and work closely with Group IT to deliver system enhancements and digitalisation initiatives.
Provide regular and transparent updates to senior management on operational performance, key risks, issues, and strategic initiatives.
Establish robust reporting and governance disciplines, including preparation of management reports and presentations for senior forums.
4. Leadership, People & Capacity Management
Lead and manage the Group Retail AML Operations organisation, including role definition, workforce planning, hiring, performance management, and succession planning.
Build and sustain a high-performing, engaged team through clear communication, strong leadership, and effective performance and development frameworks.
Address employee concerns proactively, support career development, and implement recognition practices to maintain morale and manage attrition.
Monitor capacity, capability, and skill requirements; identify training and development needs to ensure the team remains fit-for-purpose.
Ensure appropriate governance around risk, cost, and controls while scaling the AML Operations function effectively.
Job Requirements
10–15 years of experience in AML and banking operations at a peer financial institution, with demonstrated leadership at a senior level.
Strong track record in driving operational excellence, productivity improvement, and cost efficiency within large-scale operations.
Proven experience managing sizeable teams, budgets, workforce strategy, and complex operational environments.
Deep domain knowledge in AML and Sanctions; experience in other financial crime risk areas is an advantage.
Strong understanding of current and emerging AML investigation methodologies and operating models.
Sound knowledge of MAS regulatory expectations, including supervisory focus areas and regulatory change management.
Demonstrated ability to engage, influence, and challenge senior management on financial crime and operational matters.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with experience operating in a highly regulated environment.
Additional Requirements
Be a Part of the UOB Family
UOB is an equal opportunity employer. UOB does not discriminate on the basis of a candidate's age, race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or other non-merit factors. All employment decisions at UOB are based on business needs, job requirements and qualifications. If you require any assistance or accommodations to be made for the recruitment process, please inform us when you submit your online application.
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