Legal & Compliance Manager, Japan Based

Overview Our client is a rapidly growing international financial services platform preparing to expand its presence in Japan. As part of this growth strategy, the organization is seeking an experienced Legal & Compliance Manager to lead the development of its legal, regulatory, and compliance infrastructure within the Japanese market.

This individual will play a critical role in supporting market entry initiatives, establishing governance and risk frameworks, managing regulatory relationships, and providing practical legal guidance to business stakeholders. The position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the foundation of a regulated business from the ground up while working closely with regional and global leadership teams. This is Japan based role. Key Responsibilities Legal & Regulatory Advisory

• Provide legal and regulatory guidance on a broad range of business activities and strategic initiatives within Japan.
• Advise senior management on regulatory obligations, risk considerations, and compliance requirements associated with business expansion and new product offerings.
• Support licensing, registration, and regulatory approval processes where applicable.

Compliance & Governance

• Design, implement, and continuously enhance compliance programs, policies, and internal control frameworks.
• Establish governance structures and risk management practices that align with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, integrity, and regulatory compliance across the organization.

Regulatory Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for interactions with relevant regulatory authorities and industry bodies.
• Coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries, reviews, inspections, and ongoing supervisory requests.
• Maintain constructive relationships with regulators and monitor evolving regulatory expectations.

Commercial & Corporate Legal Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including customer, vendor, partnership, and service contracts.
• Provide legal support for corporate initiatives, business partnerships, and operational projects.
• Manage external legal advisers and ensure cost-effective delivery of legal services.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Conduct compliance and regulatory risk assessments across business activities.
• Oversee key compliance areas such as financial crime prevention, sanctions compliance, data protection, consumer protection, and third-party risk management.
• Identify emerging risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with business, operations, finance, technology, HR, and other control functions to support growth initiatives.
• Balance commercial objectives with legal, regulatory, and reputational risk considerations.
• Deliver training and guidance to employees on relevant legal and compliance matters.

Requirements Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Compliance, Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 10-15 years of legal, compliance, regulatory, or risk management experience within financial services.
• Strong understanding of Japanese financial regulations and governance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing compliance and control frameworks within a regulated environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience working with regulators, external advisers, and senior executives.
• Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English to liaise with the stakeholders.

Preferred Background

• Experience within fintech, payments, banking, digital financial services, merchant acquiring, or related regulated sectors.
• Previous involvement in business expansion, market entry, licensing, or regulatory approval projects.
• Legal qualification in Japan or another major jurisdiction is advantageous.
• Experience operating within an international or multinational organization.

Ideal Candidate This opportunity is well suited to a commercially minded legal and compliance professional who enjoys building frameworks, solving complex regulatory challenges, and working in fast-growing environments. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with practical business judgment, outstanding communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Appreciate your understanding.

EA: JAC Recruitment Pte. Ltd.

EA Licence: 90C3026

EA Personnel: R24123855

EA Personnel Name: Mei Kamioka

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