Overview
The First Line Risk Manager will be responsible for ensuring the development, implementation, and enhancement of a robust risk and governance framework for the business as well as to the overall first line Risk Programs.
Key Accountabilities and Main Responsibilities
Strategic Focus
- Implement risk management frameworks, policies, standards, and procedures tailored to the business in alignment with Group-level policies.
- Work collaboratively with the business to build and embed a strong risk culture, promoting the ‘Risk as a Mindset’ approach.
- Identify, assess, and monitor key operational, financial, and compliance risks within the first line of defence.
- Conduct risk assessments to evaluate the impact and likelihood of identified risks.
- Support the business in understanding and adhering to divisional risk appetite and tolerance, enhancing operational resilience across all functions.
- Provide support and challenge to ensure effective risk controls and frameworks are embedded in the business operations as per Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RSCA).
- Collaborate with Line 2 Risk & Compliance, ensuring clear ownership of Line 1 responsibilities while maintaining open communication.
Operational Management
- Day-to-day coordination of risk management across the business, ensuring adherence to the three lines of defence model.
- Lead the incident tracking and management process, ensuring timely escalation and resolution of issues.
- Ensure compliance with AML/KYC and other regulatory obligations, providing clear reporting and oversight
- Track and manage risk mitigation efforts, ensuring alignment with business objectives and deadlines.
- Collaborate with departmental / functional heads on the adequacy of actions to address risks highlighted in internal audit reports and ensure timely completion of risk registers.
- Identify training needs related to risk management and oversee the development of risk competence and awareness across the division.
- Participate in project meetings and provide feedback on business requirement documents and other relevant project documentation.
- Develop and maintain Key Risk Indicators (KRI’s) to monitor and report risk exposure.
- Prepare risk reports and dashboards for senior management, highlighting key risk trends and issues.
- Support incident management processes, including root cause analysis and lessons learned.
People Leadership
- Work collaboratively with the wide business to uplift risk capabilities across the organization, ensuring that employees at all levels understand their role in risk management.
- Provide training, coaching, and support to build a proactive risk culture and strengthen the organization’s ability to identify, manage, and mitigate risks effectively.
- Foster a culture of accountability where all employees are encouraged to take ownership of risk management activities.
- Manage a team of four risk specialists and guide them with risk assessment process and follow MUFG risk framework
- Participate in a monthly forum to highlight recommendations and implement improvements
- Drive a coaching culture within the team to identify potential risks and build capability.
- The above list of key accountabilities is not an exhaustive list and may change from time-to-time based on business needs.
Experience & Personal Attributes
Educational and Professional Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
- Relevant certifications such as FRM, PRM, or equivalent.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in risk management or operational risk ideally within a line 1 function primarily from GCC.
- A minimum of three years in Operational/Information/ Technology Risk. Second Line of Defence (SLoD) Risk experience is desirable.
- In-depth understanding of risk management frameworks, policies, and processes.
- Proficiency in risk management tools and techniques.
- Manage a team of four risk specialists and guide them with risk assessment process and follow MUFG risk framework
Personal Attributes:
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills and ability to lead a medium-sized team
- Ability to analyse, resolve and document problems and resolutions. High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Ability to work as part of a cross-cultural team.
- Strong organization and time management skills
- Continuous improvement focus, with the ability to identify risks, cost efficiencies, and operational improvements.
- Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and drive risk awareness
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of risk management activities.
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to build effective relationships across business lines.
- Self-driven and motivated with a focus on operational efficiency and continuous improvement
- Experience and ability to effectively communicate and interact with colleagues at all levels in the company, Internal Audit as well as regulators.
- Must be a self-starter, detail-oriented and extremely organized.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Flexible working arrangements and work-life balance initiatives.
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
- Employee recognition programs and team-building activities.
MUFG Pension & Market Services is a global, digitally enabled business that empowers a brighter future by connecting millions of people with their assets – safely, securely and responsibly.
Through our two businesses MUFG Retirement Solutions and MUFG Corporate Markets, we partner with a diversified portfolio of global clients to provide robust, efficient and scalable services, purpose-built solutions and modern technology platforms that deliver world class outcomes and experiences.
A member of MUFG, a global financial group, we help manage regulatory complexity, improve data management and connect people with their assets, through exceptional user experience that leverages the expertise of our people combined with scalable technology, digital connectivity and data insights.
