Regional COO / Senior Business Manager (Investment Banking / Financial Services) – APAC

Role Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for leading the operational, governance, risk and compliance framework across the APAC region. Partnering closely with the Regional CEO and senior leadership team, the COO will drive operational excellence, strengthen corporate governance, enhance organisational effectiveness, and execute strategic business initiatives to support sustainable regional growth. The role will also play a key leadership role in supporting future acquisitions and post-merger integration across the region.

Key Responsibilities

1. Partner with the Regional CEO to execute the regional business strategy and key strategic initiatives.
2. Lead and optimise regional operations, ensuring scalable operating models, robust governance, and operational excellence.
3. Establish and continuously enhance operational processes, internal controls, policies, and management reporting frameworks.
4. Oversee regulatory compliance, operational risk, and corporate governance across multiple APAC jurisdictions.
5. Develop meaningful management information and performance metrics to support informed decision-making and business performance.
6. Drive process improvement, automation, and operational efficiencies to enhance productivity and profitability.
7. Foster collaboration across business, control, and support functions to ensure seamless regional execution.
8. Support corporate development initiatives, including operational due diligence, acquisition planning, and post-merger integration.
9. Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and strong risk awareness.

Requirements

1. Proven experience as a Chief Operating Officer (COO), Business Manager, or senior Operations, Governance or Business Management leader within an Investment Bank, Capital Markets, or Financial Services institution.
2. Strong understanding of operational management, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and operational risk within a regulated financial services environment.
3. Demonstrated experience leading regional operations across multiple jurisdictions.
4. Proven ability to drive business transformation, process optimisation, and strategic execution.
5. Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or business integration initiatives will be highly advantageous.
6. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior executives across business and control functions.
7. Excellent leadership, communication, and change management capabilities.
8. Resilient, commercially minded, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment