MCQS & EMEA Head of Compliance

The MCQS and EMEA Head of Compliance role across MCQS global business and Manulifes EMEA business is responsible for all aspects of the Regulatory Compliance Program for our European asset management business as well as MCQSs global compliance program ensuring that Manulife maintains compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This role reports to the Chief Compliance Officer for the Global Wealth and Asset Management segment of Manulife. You and your team will be part of a global compliance team that works closely together and supports each other.

In this role you will be supporting the asset management business across several legal entities in operating in multiple jurisdictions offering a wide variety of investment capabilities across fixed income equities liquid alternatives and multi-asset strategies. You will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring the Regulatory Compliance Management Program for Manulife in Europe (and where applicable the Middle East and Africa) and MCQSs global business covering all the compliance program areas including: anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing; anti-bribery; sanctions compliance; investment compliance guideline monitoring; fraud prevention; privacy; distribution compliance; regulatory change management; customer fair dealing and suitability marketing material and financial promotion reviews; regulatory audits and examinations; compliance program testing assessment and monitoring; compliance training and implementing the Manulifes legislative and regulatory compliance management framework within the entity.

Position Responsibilities:

• Act as SMF-16 for two UK legal entities.

• Oversee the entirety of the compliance program for Manulife CQS including the US registered investment adviser.

• Ensure that regulatory risks are managed within risk appetite and that effective regulatory compliance management controls and process including compliance policies and procedures are in place to comply with local regulatory requirements and global standards.

• In partnership with the global functions (e.g. Financial Crimes Privacy Ethics) ensure the effectiveness of the overall Regulatory Compliance Management Program for EMEA is regularly monitored and assessed and that it continues to meet the needs of the entity and its regulator(s). This includes:

  • Overseeing regulatory change management and regulatory horizon scanning and providing insight to the first line on the impact of regulatory change

  • Overseeing the development and execution of control testing programs to provide reasonable risk-based assurance that the first line has implemented suitable controls to address critical compliance risks and that those controls are operating effectively; and

  • Reviewing and evaluating the testing monitoring and assessment completed by other second line of defence control functions.

• Manage and/or coordinate interaction with the UK Financial Conduct Authority Central Bank of Ireland and the CSSF in Luxembourg relating to compliance issues including examinations inspections and reviews

• Direct the development of compliance awareness and training programs to embed a strong compliance culture and knowledge of the Regulatory Compliance Management program with employees and management

• Provide compliance guidance and advice on new projects/initiatives new product development process disciplinary processes compliance with new regulatory requirements and other significant issues

• Work closely and effectively with senior management acting as a trusted adviser providing pragmatic guidance and constructive challenge on regulatory matters

• Prepare clear and concise compliance reports to the Boards senior management and GWAM Segment Compliance as needed.

• Lead and inspire high-performing teams by setting clear goals fostering collaboration and promoting a culture of accountability. Invest in talent development through coaching mentorship and performance feedback to build future leaders and drive sustained team success.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of compliance legal and/or audit experience in financial institutions strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of European regulation including but not limited to AIFMD MIFID COBS and UCITS.

• Strong knowledge of US regulation including but not limited to SEC NFA CFTC and US private funds distribution.

• Strong knowledge of fixed income equity private credit and liquid alternatives products as well as strong knowledge of compliance requirements for various vehicles: separately managed accounts private funds collective investment schemes and pooled vehicles

• Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion; takes pride in building a Compliance team that brings together diversity of thought perspectives and expression.

• Demonstrated ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy demonstrating sound judgment in complex and ambiguous situations.

• Demonstrated ability to build strong trust-based relationships across the organization including with senior leadership.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate and influence at across the global organization including senior management.

• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with senior management and to influence positive outcomes related to the inherent conflicts that can exist between compliance and business objectives.

When you join our team:

• Well empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• Well recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team well 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 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 .