Job Description
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), one of the world's premier financial institutions, is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our Asia-Pacific Corporate Banking division. As the Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, you will be the driving force behind the operational and strategic excellence of our franchise across the region.
Reporting to the Head of Corporate Banking, you will act as a trusted architect of the business, translating strategic objectives into actionable operational frameworks. You will lead initiatives that enhance profitability, streamline processes, and strengthen the bank's competitive positioning in key markets including Singapore, China, India, and ASEAN.
This is a high-impact leadership role requiring deep expertise in corporate lending, trade finance, capital markets, and treasury services. You will partner with global product groups and regional coverage teams to deliver integrated banking solutions to top-tier corporates.
You will be responsible for optimizing resource allocation, managing the P&L, overseeing large-scale transformation projects, and ensuring the highest standards of governance and operational risk management. Your strategic insight will directly enable SMBC to deepen client relationships and capture new market opportunities across APAC.
If you are a seasoned banking executive with a proven track record in managing complex operations and driving sustainable growth, we invite you to lead our Corporate Banking operations into the next phase of excellence.
Responsibilities
- Set the strategic and operational agenda for APAC Corporate Banking, ensuring alignment with global objectives.
- Lead the annual strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes; actively manage P&L performance.
- Drive operational efficiency through digital transformation, automation, and process re-engineering.
- Oversee portfolio management, credit risk oversight, and regulatory compliance across the region.
- Act as a key liaison between front-office coverage teams and middle/back-office operations.
- Manage strategic initiatives from inception to execution, including origination and execution related workflows.
- Foster a high-performance culture, mentoring senior talent and driving diversity initiatives.
- Represent SMBC in internal governance committees and external industry forums.
Qualifications
- 15+ years of progressive experience in Corporate Banking or Wholesale Banking, with at least 5 years in an operational leadership or COO capacity.
- Deep understanding of the Asia-Pacific financial markets and regulatory landscape.
- Proven track record in driving operational transformation and managing large-scale budgets.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a history of using data to drive decisions.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills; fluent in English (proficiency in Japanese or Mandarin is a plus).
- Bachelor's degree required; an MBA or CFA is highly preferred.
- Experience with loan markets, trade finance, and treasury products.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and lead high-performing, cross-cultural teams.