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Type 1. 4,9 RO (for VA license application)

Michael Page Hong Kong
Full time Permanent On-site Competitive

About the job

  • By backed a gloabl reputable cross border payment company
  • Rapidly expanding in Greater China
About Our Client

Our client is a rapidly expanding cross-border payments and financial technology group with strong China roots and international ambitions. As part of their strategic growth plan, they are building a regulated financial services platform in Hong Kong, encompassing securities dealing, investment advisory, asset management, and future virtual asset-related activities.

Our client is seeking an experienced Responsible Officer (RO) to lead our SFC-regulated business, strengthen regulatory governance, and play a pivotal role in obtaining and maintaining Virtual Asset-related regulatory approvals while supporting new business initiatives.

Job Description

Regulatory Oversight & Responsible Officer Duties
  • Serve as Responsible Officer for Type 1, Type 4 and Type 9 regulated activities.
  • Ensure full compliance with the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO), Codes of Conduct, Fund Manager Code of Conduct and all applicable SFC regulations.
  • Act as the principal liaison with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
  • Oversee licensing maintenance, annual returns, notifications, inspections and regulatory examinations.
  • Supervise all regulated activities and ensure appropriate controls, governance and management oversight.
  • Review and approve regulated business activities, marketing materials, client agreements and investment documentation.
Virtual Asset Licensing & Regulatory Development
  • Lead the firm's Virtual Asset regulatory strategy and licensing roadmap.
  • Work closely with external legal counsel, compliance consultants and regulators on licensing applications and regulatory engagements.
  • Develop governance, risk management and compliance frameworks for Virtual Asset-related activities.
  • Advise management on SFC requirements relating to:
    • Virtual Asset dealing
    • Virtual Asset advisory services
    • Tokenized products
    • Digital asset fund management
    • Institutional digital trading businesses
  • Maintain awareness of evolving Hong Kong and international digital asset regulations.
Business Expansion & Strategic Growth
  • Partner with the executive team to identify and launch new regulated business initiatives.
  • Assess regulatory implications of new products and services.
  • Participate in strategic planning, M&A evaluations and regional expansion projects.
  • Support institutional client acquisition and development efforts.
  • Provide regulatory guidance to business units in Hong Kong and Greater China.
Risk Management & Governance
  • Establish and maintain enterprise-wide compliance and risk management frameworks.
  • Ensure compliance with:
    • AML/CFT requirements
    • KYC/CDD/EDD obligations
    • Client asset protection rules
    • Financial Resources Rules (FRR)
  • Present risk and compliance matters to senior management and the Board.
  • Lead regulatory reviews, audits and remediation projects.
Team Leadership
  • Build and manage compliance, risk and regulatory affairs functions.
  • Conduct training programs to enhance regulatory awareness across the organization.
  • Mentor licensed representatives and management personnel.
  • Foster a strong compliance culture that supports sustainable business growth.
The Successful Applicant

Must Have
  • Currently approved by the SFC (or immediately eligible for approval) as Responsible Officer for:
    • Type 1
    • Type 4
    • Type 9
  • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in:
    • Securities
    • Asset management
    • Wealth management
    • Brokerage
    • Fintech
    • Licensed financial institutions
  • Minimum 3 years' experience as:
    • Responsible Officer
    • Manager-In-Charge (MIC)
    • Senior Compliance / Regulatory Executive
  • Strong experience dealing directly with the Hong Kong SFC.
Preferred Experience
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • SFC licensing applications
    • License upgrades and business expansion projects
    • Regulatory inspections and remediation exercises
  • Experience in:
    • Virtual Assets
    • Digital Assets
    • Tokenization
    • Crypto-related financial products
    • Digital asset fund management
  • Previous employment with:
    • SFC-licensed corporations
    • Virtual asset platforms
    • Securities brokers
    • Asset managers
    • International fintech firms
    • Chinese financial institutions
Professional Knowledge

Strong understanding of:
  • Hong Kong Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO)
  • Virtual Asset regulatory framework
  • Fund Manager Code of Conduct
  • AML/CFT regulations
  • Corporate governance
  • Risk management
  • Cross-border financial services
Language Requirements
  • Fluent English and Mandarin
  • Cantonese highly preferred
  • Ability to communicate effectively with regulators, institutional clients and senior stakeholders
What's on Offer
  • Opportunity to lead and own the firm's virtual asset regulatory roadmap.
  • Involvement in:
    • Virtual Asset dealing
    • Tokenized investment products
    • Digital asset fund management
    • Institutional digital asset business
  • Direct engagement with regulators, legal advisors, and strategic partners.