Company Overview
Mizuho has a long-term commitment to the Hong Kong market. With strong ties to Mizuhos global network and a workforce of over 600 staff in Hong Kong, we are able to help corporations in Hong Kong to expand their business worldwide. Our clients primarily comprise Japanese and non-Japanese corporations (including those domiciled in the PRC), financial institutions, and government and quasi-government organizations. We provide a full spectrum of corporate banking services to our customers including syndicated loans, treasury, transaction banking, financial advisory, project finance, merger and acquisition, leveraged finance, and structured finance.
Why Mizuho
At Mizuho, we provide the stability of an international industry leader with the career trajectory of a growing business. Our steady, strategic growth gives our people at all levels rewarding degrees of responsibility and a richer work experience than a boutique firm or an established giant could offer alone.
It is the local expertise of our employees that makes our global network so powerful. By collaborating with colleagues and clients who have your same ambition and drive, you can amplify your sphere of influence and base of knowledge as part of one of the largest—and growing—banks in the world.
About the team
Financial Crime Compliance Section consists of the AML & Sanction Advisory Team and KYC Support Team.
Role requirements
- Monitor and support the banks sanctions compliance program, ensuring adherence to all relevant statutory, regulatory, Head Office, and internal sanctions requirements.
- Monitor, interpret, and implement changes in global and local sanctions laws, regulations, and guidance; and update internal policies and procedures to reflect new developments.
- Perform sanction watchlist management tasks, including watch lists update, ensure timely integration of new designations, delisting, modifications or alias addition into screening system. Maintain and administer internal watchlists.
- Provide advisory support on sanctions matters to business units, operations, and IT divisions, including guidance on customer screening, and escalation protocols.
- Perform timely review and disposition of sanctions screening alerts related to customers, transactions, payments (SWIFT, local clearing, trade finance). Investigate potential matches against sanctions list (OFAC, EU, UK HMT, UN, JMOF, etc.) and other watchlists, and timely escalate sanction matches in accordance with established protocols.
- Conduct sanctions risk assessments, including sanction exposure reviews, and manage exception escalation processes.
- Review and enhance procedural manuals and control frameworks specifically related to sanctions compliance.
- Support the testing of screening systems/ parameters tuning, identify and recommend improvements to screening rules, watchlist management, fuzzy logic thresholds, and false-positive reduction strategies.
- Design, develop, and deliver sanctions training and awareness programs for staff, including periodic updates and ad hoc sessions.
- Coordinate and prepare sanctions-related reporting for internal and external stakeholders, regulators, and Head Office.
- Support internal and external audits, quality assurance, regulatory reviews, and investigations focused on sanctions compliance, and remediate deficiencies.
- Ensure the implementation of a clear process for decision making in respect of compliance issues, including a clear escalation process which sets out the reporting mechanism to the senior management.
Essential Functions
- To prepare and review AML/CFT and CDD MIS reports;
- To monitor and make recommendations for process improvement;
- To participate and report in Committee Meeting as needed;
- To provide AML/CFT and CDD related advisory to colleagues;
- To provide AML/CFT and CDD related training to colleagues.
Competencies
- We are looking for an individual who has mind-set to initiate changes and improvements for higher productivity/performance;
- Builds an internal and external network to execute regular deals and day-to-day work;
- Builds good working relationship with other members and stakeholders and effectively collaborates with them to achieve Team goals.
Work experience, education and skills
- Bachelors Degree or above in Accounting, Finance, Business, Legal, Economics, or related disciplines.
- 4-6 years experience in Financial Crime Compliance, with a strong focus on sanctions advisory, assurance, and governance.
- Candidates with CGSS - Certified Global Sanctions Specialists, ICA Sanctions Certificate or equivalent certification is preferred.
- In-depth knowledge of global sanctions regimes (e.g., OFAC, UN, EU, HKMA) and related screening technologies.
- Experience in designing and implementing sanctions training, risk assessments, and control enhancement initiatives.
- Good working knowledge of AML/CFT frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Proficiency in English and Cantonese.
Application
Employment of the in-scope positions are subject to Mandatory Reference Checking Scheme (MRCS) as per regulatory requirement. For details, please refer to (Mandatory Reference Checking Scheme Phase 2 I The Hong Kong Association of Banks).
Please indicate your current and expected salary on CV for the application.
Mizuho Bank Limited
Mizuho Bank, Ltd. in Hong Kong is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: MFG). The Mizuho group is a global financial services leader with offices in 35 countries, approximately 52,000 employees, and assets of almost USD 2 trillion. Mizuho provides expertise in retail banking, corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, capital markets, and sales and trading, to help businesses develop and find new opportunities for growth. To learn more: www.mizuhogroup.com
Mizuhos People Philosophy
The Mizuho People Philosophy serves as the guiding standard for embodying Mizuhos Corporate Identity. It establishes the fundamental philosophy for the ways we support people within Mizuho, based on our belief that our peoples growth and fulfillment are essential to achieving our corporate goals. Mizuho is committed to:
- Supporting the professional growth of people
- Recognizing people who promote Mizuhos Values
- Fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive as their true selves
The full text for the Mizuho People Philosophy can be accessed via this link:
https://www.mizuhogroup.com/sustainability/social/employees
Personal data collected will be kept in strict confidence, and will be used for recruitment purpose only.
