Head of Compliance and Data Protection, India / Designated Compliance Officer (IFSCA)
Description
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to become the Head of Compliance and Data Protection for India, with the designated responsibility of Compliance Officer for our IFSCA-licensed branch in Gift City. This senior role is critical to the integrity and regulatory standing of Apex Group's operations in India.
Based in Gift City, you will be the primary point of contact for the IFSCA and other local regulators, owning the compliance framework for our Gift city branch. Furthermore, you will provide strategic oversight and management of the compliance monitoring programme across all other Indian office locations, leading and developing a team of compliance professionals. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the compliance function within a rapidly expanding global organization, balancing deep regulatory expertise with strong leadership and management responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Team Management:
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for the entire India Compliance function.
- Manage, mentor, and develop the India compliance team, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and collaborative support.
- Oversee workload allocation and prioritization to ensure the effective delivery of all compliance monitoring, reporting, and advisory activities across India.
Gift City (IFSCA) Compliance Framework Management:
- Act as the Designated Compliance Officer for the Apex Group IFSCA-licensed branch.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the IFSCA, managing all regulatory communications, inspections, and submissions.
- Develop, implement, and maintain the branch-specific Compliance Manual and policies in line with IFSCA regulations.
- Ensure full adherence to all IFSCA license conditions and regulatory requirements, including AML/CFT, data protection, and ancillary service rules.
- Prepare and present compliance reports for the branch's governance committees and the IFSCA as required.
Pan-India Compliance Oversight:
- Oversee the compliance monitoring programme for all Apex India entities, ensuring activities adhere to local regulations (e.g., SEBI, RBI) and global group policies.
- Regularly review and enhance compliance controls, procedures, and policies to mitigate regulatory risk across all Indian operations.
- Advise senior management and the business on the impact of new and amended regulations across all jurisdictions.
Advisory & Risk Management:
- Provide expert compliance advisory to the business on complex matters, including CDD/EDD, PEPs, sanctions, and cross-border issues.
- Act as the designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) for India entities as required.
- Manage the response to and remediation of findings from internal audits, external audits, and regulatory examinations.
Regional & Global Collaboration:
- Collaborate with the APAC and global compliance teams to implement group-wide compliance initiatives and frameworks.
- Ensure effective reporting of India's compliance status to regional and global leadership.
Skills & Experience Required:
- 10+ years of progressive experience in a compliance function within financial services, with significant experience in a leadership or management capacity.
- Proven, hands-on experience dealing with the IFSCA and an in-depth understanding of the GIFT City regulatory framework for (ancillary) services.
- Demonstrable experience in managing, mentoring, and developing a team.
- Expert knowledge of Indian financial regulations (SEBI, RBI, FIU-IND) and international AML/CFT standards.
- Strong experience in developing and implementing compliance frameworks, policies, and monitoring programmes.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with regulators, senior management, and board members.
- Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent are highly preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Business, or a related field. A master's degree or LL.B. would be an advantage.
What you will get in return:
- A high-visibility leadership role at the heart of a fast-growing global business.
- The opportunity to shape and lead the compliance function for a key international branch and all of India.
- Competitive remuneration package commensurate with a senior leadership position.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities within a global organization.
