Company overview

Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership. For further information about Nomura, visit www.nomura.com

Job Title: Risk and Control Executive Director
Corporate Title: Executive Director
Department: Operations
Location: Singapore
Licensed Role: No

Department Overview:

The role of Executive Director within Risk and Control - Operations is to operationally lead the 1.5 line of defense, executing strategic initiatives while bridging operational execution with independent risk oversight. This senior executive role is responsible for implementing robust risk and control frameworks directly within Operations while maintaining appropriate independence and challenge. The Executive Director will operationalize the evolution of operational risk management, ensuring seamless integration between Operations (1st line) and independent risk functions (2nd line), while establishing Operations as a center of excellence for embedded risk management across the firm. A critical focus of this role includes overseeing the risk and control aspects of middle office functions transitioning into Operations, ensuring seamless integration while maintaining robust control environments throughout the transformation.

Role Description:

1.5 Line of Defense Leadership

• Define and execute the strategic vision for risk and control function, balancing operational efficiency with robust risk oversight
• Establish and execute clear governance boundaries and escalation protocols between 1st and 2nd line functions within Operations
• Lead the development of embedded risk management capabilities that enhance operational decision-making while maintaining independence
• Champion the 1.5 line model across the organization, demonstrating its effectiveness in driving both performance and control outcomes

Middle Office Oversight

• Lead comprehensive risk assessments of Middle Office functions transitioning into Operations, identifying control gaps and integration risks
• Develop and implement specific control frameworks that maintain regulatory compliance and operational integrity during / immediately post organizational changes
• Oversee the redesign of middle office control processes to align with Operations' governance standards while preserving critical middle office risk management capabilities
• Establish escalation procedures to ensure appropriate risk oversight during transition / post transition periods
• Manage the integration of middle office risk indicators, metrics, and reporting into Operations' risk dashboard and governance framework

Operational Risk Integration

• Oversee the strategic evolution of Operations-specific Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) frameworks, incorporating transitioning middle office functions and ensuring real-time risk identification and mitigation
• Embed risk considerations into operational processes, technology implementations, business change initiatives, and middle office integration projects
• Lead the development of operational risk appetite statements and tolerance levels aligned with firm’s risk strategy, accounting for expanded middle office responsibilities
• Drive the integration of risk metrics into operational performance dashboards and management reporting, including middle office transition KPIs

Strategic Operations Governance

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance operational resilience while driving business efficiency
• Establish governance frameworks for operational change management, ensuring appropriate risk assessment and control implementation for both BAU operations and transitioning functions
• Oversee the strategic management of operational incidents, including middle office transition-related issues, ensuring comprehensive root cause analysis and systemic remediation

Regulatory and Audit Excellence

• Serve as the primary interface with Internal/External Auditors for Operations-related matters
• Lead SOX compliance initiatives within Operations, ensuring comprehensive control coverage
• Manage regulatory relationships and examinations specific to operational risk and control matters
• Ensure Operations maintains industry-leading standards for regulatory compliance and audit readiness

Cross-Line Collaboration and Challenge

• Establish effective challenge mechanisms between embedded risk functions and independent oversight teams
• Lead strategic discussions with 2nd line Risk Management and Compliance functions to ensure appropriate oversight and challenge
• Drive collaboration with Operational Risk Management on operational risk aggregation, reporting, and middle office transition risk assessment
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice development across lines of defense

Operational Excellence and Innovation

• Champion the adoption of advanced analytics, automation, and emerging technologies in operational risk management
• Lead transformational projects that enhance operational control effectiveness while reducing manual oversight
• Drive the development of predictive risk indicators and early warning systems for operational risks, including transition-specific risk metrics, when applicable
• Establish innovative risk management approaches and technologies

Team Leadership and Capability Building

• Build and lead a high-performing team of risk and control professionals embedded within Operations
• Develop specialized expertise in operational risk domains including technology risk, vendor management and process risk
• Create career development pathways that balance operational knowledge with risk management expertise
• Foster a culture of risk awareness and proactive control management throughout Operations

Strategic Stakeholder Management

• Partner with Operations leadership to ensure risk and control considerations are embedded in strategic planning and execution
• Collaborate with business line heads and middle office leadership to ensure risk considerations are integrated into business strategy and execution
• Engage with Operational Risk Management, Internal Audit, Compliance, and Front Office stakeholders on cross-functional initiatives
• Represent Operations in enterprise-wide risk forums and regulatory discussions

Requirements:

• Advanced degree (MBA, Risk Management, Finance, or related field)
• Professional certifications in risk management or Operations
• Deep understanding of operations principles and challenges
• Min 12 years of experience with significant exposure to operations, risk management, and middle office functions
• Experience in leadership roles managing complex, cross-functional teams and organizational transitions
• Proven track record of successfully implementing embedded risk management frameworks and leading organizational integration initiatives
• Experience leading organizations through operational transformation while maintaining strong control environments
• Deep expertise in operations risk management and control design
• Advanced knowledge of capital markets and wealth management products and processes as well as Operations functions including trade processing, settlements, client onboarding, trade validation, position reconciliation, and regulatory reporting
• Experience with advanced analytics and process automation

1.5 Line of Defense Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to balance operational efficiency with independent risk oversight
• Experience designing and implementing embedded risk management frameworks
• Strong understanding of three lines of defense model and ability to optimize interactions between lines
• Proven track record of enhancing operational performance through effective risk management

Executive Leadership Attributes

• Strategic mindset with ability to translate risk concepts into operational value, competitive advantage, and successful outcomes
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence senior management, risk professionals, and stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with focus on practical, implementable solutions
• Proven ability to drive cultural change and embed risk awareness in operational teams
• Global perspective with experience managing risk across multiple regions and time zones