The Head of Compliance & Legal is responsible for defining, leading and evolving the bank's overall compliance and legal strategy. As a member of the executive committee, he/she acts as a strategic partner to top management to ensure regulatory compliance, reduce legal and reputational risks, and support business development in a highly regulated environment.
Head of Compliance & Legal - Banking
A local bank.
Responsibilities
Main Responsibilities 1. Leadership & Strategy Define and implement the overall Compliance & Legal strategy aligned with the bank's business objectives
Advise the CEO and Executive Committee on regulatory, legal and reputational risks
Actively participate in strategic decisions as a member of the Executive Committee
Ensure proactive regulatory monitoring (FINMA, MROS, international standards, AML, sanctions, etc.)
2. Compliance Oversee all compliance activities: Anti-money laundering (AML/KYC)
Sanctions & embargoes
Conduct risk / cross-border
Transaction and activity monitoring
Ensure implementation of internal policies and procedures compliant with Swiss (FINMA) and international requirements
Engage with regulatory authorities (FINMA, external auditors, etc.)
Oversee internal controls and audits related to compliance
3. Legal Oversee the legal department and ensure appropriate support for various business lines (private banking, asset management, etc.)
Manage complex disputes and sensitive cases
Validate strategic contractual documentation
Manage legal risks related to new products and markets
Coordinate with external law firms in Switzerland and internationally
4. Team Management Lead, structure and develop a team of around 30 employees (Compliance + Legal, including middle managers)
Establish a culture of performance, ethics and responsibility
Develop talent and ensure succession planning
Manage the department budget
5. Governance & Culture Promote a culture of compliance and integrity within the bank
Provide regular reporting to the Board of Directors and risk committees
Implement training and awareness programmes
Candidate Profile
Desired Profile Education Master's degree in law (mandatory) - admission to the bar highly desirable
Specialisation in banking, financial or compliance law
Additional certifications (CAS Compliance, CAMS, etc.) are an asset
Experience 15+ years of experience in compliance and/or legal in the banking or financial sector
Significant experience in a leadership role (Head of Compliance, Head Legal or equivalent)
Proven experience within an Executive Committee or direct interaction with it
Strong exposure to Swiss (FINMA) and international regulation
Experience managing transformations/regulatory change
Key Skills Strategic vision and broad perspective
Proven leadership and ability to manage large teams
Excellent understanding of Swiss and international regulatory issues
Ability to influence at the highest level (Board, CEO)
Excellent analytical and risk management skills
Strong communication and negotiation skills
Pragmatism and business orientation
Languages Fluent French and English (essential)
German is an asset
Conditions and Benefits
Positioning Role with strong strategic impact
Key interface between business, regulators and governance
Critical role for protecting the banking licence and reputation
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