Head of Compliance

About SDAX
Based in Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, SDAX is a globally connected, integrated digital financial services platform offering a comprehensive suite of investment opportunities for asset owners and investors to benefit from the world’s private markets. SDAX’s exchange platform offers opportunities to access exclusive investments from its ecosystem and secondary market trading via its digital asset exchange.
With SDAX, investors access curated investment opportunities across private equities, funds, real estate and alternatives which have passed SDAX’s rigorous due diligence process. SDAX connects markets through partnerships with participants in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, delivering a seamless and efficient cross-border digital assets ecosystem for wealth creation.
ROLE OVERVIEW
SDAX is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Compliance to lead our compliance function and ensure the organisation operates with the highest standards of regulatory adherence, ethical conduct, and risk management. This executive leadership role will report directly to the Chief Executive and plays a pivotal role in shaping compliance strategy across the business.
The Head of Compliance is part of the senior management team, and is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the enterprise-wide compliance program. You will provide strategic guidance on regulatory requirements, foster a strong culture of compliance, manage regulatory relationships, lead the compliance team, and advise senior leadership and the board on emerging risks and obligations.
KEY OBJECTIVES
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Establish and maintain a robust, proactive compliance framework aligned with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.
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Embed compliance into business strategy, operations, and decision-making processes.
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Lead regulatory engagement, risk assessment, monitoring, and reporting to minimize exposure and support sustainable growth.
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Promote ethical behaviour and accountability throughout the organisation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the organisation's compliance work programme, including policies, procedures, controls, and training initiatives.
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Provide expert advice and strategic counsel to the executive team, board, and business units on compliance matters, regulatory changes, and risk mitigation strategies.
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Oversee monitoring, testing, and auditing of compliance with relevant regulations (AML/CTF, data protection, financial services rules, sanctions, as applicable to the industry).
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Lead and manage the compliance team, including recruitment, development, performance management, and resource allocation.
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Serve as the primary point of contact for regulators and external bodies to manage inspections, inquiries, reporting obligations, and remediation efforts.
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Identify, assess, and prioritise compliance risks by developing and implementing action plans to address gaps and emerging issues.
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Drive compliance awareness and training programs across all levels of the organisation to cultivate a strong compliance culture.
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Collaborate with legal, risk, internal audit, HR, and other functions to ensure integrated risk management.
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Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends to assess impacts on the business and recommend necessary changes.
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Prepare regular reports and dashboards for senior management and the regulated board on compliance status, key risks, incidents, and programme effectiveness.
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Lead investigations into potential compliance breaches and ensure appropriate corrective and disciplinary actions are taken.
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Champion ethical standards and support whistleblowing mechanisms.
REQUIREMENTS
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Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Law, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field.
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Professional certification such as CAMS, CCEP, ICA Diploma in Compliance, CRCM, or equivalent strongly preferred.
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12+ years of progressive compliance experience in a regulated industry (financial services, fintech), with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Head/Director of Compliance, Senior Compliance Officer, or equivalent).
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Proven track record of building and leading high-performing compliance teams and programs.
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Deep knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and experience managing relationships with regulators.
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Strong understanding of risk assessment, monitoring/testing methodologies, and compliance management systems.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
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Exceptional leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
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Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
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Excellent communication and presentation skills, and able to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including the board and regulators.
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High ethical standards, integrity, and sound judgment.
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Proactive, resilient, and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving regulatory environment.
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Proficiency in compliance technology/tools and data analytics for risk monitoring.
Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. All resumes received will be used for recruitment purposes only.