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