Operational Risk & Governance Specialist - Banking Tokyo

Join a leading international banking group as an Operational Risk & Governance Specialist, supporting the firm's growing institutional and securities operations in Japan.

This role will take ownership of non-financial risk, operational risk, internal controls, and governance across key business areas. Working closely with Japan leadership, business units, and regional APAC stakeholders, you will help strengthen risk frameworks, conduct control testing, oversee Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), and advise the business on emerging operational risks.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced 1st Line Risk & Control or 2nd Line Operational Risk professional to gain high-level exposure within an international bank while contributing directly to the development of its Japan business.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee non-financial and operational risk frameworks, control testing, and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) across institutional banking business lines.
• Execute risk assessments and profiling, operational risk event management, issue remediation tracking, and control reviews to support regulatory and internal policy compliance.
• Partner with Japan leadership and business units to provide practical advice on operational risk, internal controls, governance, and emerging non-financial risks.
• Facilitate senior risk management committees, governance forums, and annual regional risk attestations, ensuring effective reporting and escalation.
• Promote a strong risk and control culture through proactive business engagement, communication, and training.
• Review local policies, procedures, new product launches, and business transformation initiatives from a risk and control perspective.
• Oversee Business Continuity Management (BCM) assurance and crisis management frameworks for the Japan entity.
• Collaborate with APAC stakeholders on regional risk reporting and governance requirements while addressing Japan-specific regulatory expectations.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in operational risk, non-financial risk, risk governance, or a related financial services control function.
• Experience within 1st Line Risk & Control or 2nd Line Operational Risk is highly relevant.
• Strong knowledge of non-financial risk frameworks, including control testing, risk assessments, KRIs, regulatory compliance, and audit remediation.
• Experience managing operational risk events, control issues, remediation activities, and governance processes.
• Understanding of financial services regulatory requirements and internal risk management standards.
• Experience reviewing business processes, policies, new products, or transformation initiatives from a risk and control perspective.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional business heads.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a practical approach to identifying and managing operational risks.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities within a highly regulated financial services environment.
• Confident communication and facilitation skills for senior risk committees, governance forums, and business discussions.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Fluent.
• English: Intermediate to Business level for APAC collaboration and regional reporting.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience within an international corporate bank, institutional bank, securities firm, or investment banking environment.
• Exposure to both 1st Line Risk & Control and 2nd Line Operational Risk functions.
• Experience facilitating senior-level risk committees, governance forums, or regulatory discussions.
• Knowledge of Business Continuity Management (BCM), crisis management, operational resilience, and audit remediation.
• Experience collaborating with regional or global risk teams across APAC.
• Broader financial services operational risk experience will also be considered.

About the Company

Our client is a leading international banking group providing a comprehensive range of institutional and corporate financial services across the Asia-Pacific region.

The organization is continuing to expand its Japan securities and institutional banking business, creating opportunities for experienced risk professionals to make a visible contribution within a well-established global organization.

With close collaboration between Japan and APAC teams, the firm combines an international working environment with a strong focus on effective governance, risk management, and sustainable business growth.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive compensation of ¥14M-¥17M.
• Take on a highly visible role supporting the expansion of the firm's Japan securities and institutional banking business.
• Gain broad exposure across operational risk, non-financial risk, internal controls, governance, BCM, and crisis management.
• Work directly with Japan leadership and senior business stakeholders.
• Collaborate primarily with APAC-based international teams, supporting a more sustainable work-life balance for regional interactions.
• Develop your career within a growing international banking organization with significant ownership and impact.
• Benefit from strong hybrid/remote working and flextime arrangements.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!