The Head of Financial Crime Compliance - Philippines provides strategic leadership and oversight of Manulife Philippines financial crime compliance framework, covering anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist and proliferation financing, sanctions, fraud, and related insurance-specific risks. As part of the second line of defense, the role ensures the program remains risk-based, effective, and aligned with local regulations as well as Manulife's regional and global standards. It oversees compliance across multiple business entities, including insurance, pre-need, and bancassurance, ensuring consistent governance and controls while addressing unique regulatory requirements, and fosters a strong, inclusive culture of risk-aware compliance aligned with the company's values and risk appetite.
Position Responsibilities:
Financial Crime Compliance Leadership
- Lead and continuously enhance the Financial Crime Compliance and AML/CTF program in line with AMLC, Insurance Commission, and Manulife global standards
- Provide expert guidance on financial crime risks (sanctions, fraud, bribery/corruption) across insurance, pre-need, and bancassurance businesses
- Translate regulatory and global requirements into practical, risk-based, and sustainable controls
- Assess risks independently and escalate material issues impacting risk appetite
Governance, Committee Support, and MLRO Assistance
- Act as Assistant MLRO for MP, MFP, and MCBL, supporting the CCO in fulfilling MLRO responsibilities under AMLC and IC regulations
- Prepare and present risk insights, regulatory updates, and remediation progress to leadership forums
- Ensure consistent AML governance, reporting, and timely escalation of key risks across entities
Regulatory Engagement & Reporting
- Co-lead and support regulatory engagements with AMLC and Insurance Commission, including exams and follow-ups
- Oversee timely and high-quality regulatory reporting (e.g., STRs, CTRs)
- Interpret regulatory changes, advise on actions to maintain compliance and readiness and track regulatory issues and remediation
AML Systems & Technology Oversight
- Oversee AML systems (e.g., bridger for name screening and transaction monitoring) to ensure effectiveness and compliance
- Partner with technology and operations teams to improve monitoring, alert quality, and model governance
- Drive system enhancements to strengthen risk detection and reduce false positives
Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
- Oversee financial crime risk assessments, control testing, fraud risk management, and ABAC controls
- Identify emerging risks and lead updates to policies, standards, and controls
- Manage issue remediation and corrective action plans to ensure sustainable resolution
Internal Audit & Assurance
- Serve as the primary liaison for Internal Audit on financial crime reviews
- Validate findings, support audit processes, and ensure timely resolution of audit actions
- Promote audit readiness and continuous improvement across controls and documentation
Stakeholder Management & Influence
- Build strong partnerships across Compliance , Risk, Operations, Technology, Legal, and business teams
- Engage and influence senior stakeholders on financial crime risks, priorities, and regulatory expectations
- Collaborate with regional and global teams to align with enterprise standards and best practices
People Leadership & Culture
- Lead and develop a high-performing Financial Crime Compliance team
- Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and risk awareness
- Promote collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning across teams
Required Qualifications:
- Extensive experience in AML/CTF and financial crime compliance within insurance or financial services, preferably in the Philippine regulatory environment.
- Experience in fraud risk management and/or anti-bribery and corruption frameworks would be an advantage.
- Strong working knowledge of AML laws and regulations, Insurance Commission circulars, and applicable international standards
- Demonstrated experience supporting MLRO functions and regulatory committee governance
- Hands‑on knowledge of AML systems, namely Bridger Name Screening and AML Manager Transaction Monitoring, or equivalent platforms
- Ability to communicate complex regulatory matters clearly to senior management and governance bodies
- Sound judgment, high ethical standards, and commitment to Manulife's values
We'll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
We'll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
As part of our global team, we'll support you in shaping the future you want to see.
About Manulife and John Hancock
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit .
Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact .
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