Head of Legal & Compliance, Trust (Singapore) at Fairway Group

The Pinnacle of Trust and Compliance: A Strategic Leadership Role in Singapore

In the heart of Singapore's thriving financial hub, a rare leadership opportunity has emerged at Fairway Group, a prominent player in the trust services sector. The Head of Legal & Compliance, Trust (Singapore) role is not merely a job posting—it is a call for an experienced legal and compliance visionary to steer the company's regulatory framework during a transformative era in the industry. As global financial centres tighten their grip on anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and as Singapore introduces sweeping new regulations, this position sits at the nexus of legal excellence, corporate governance, and strategic decision-making.

This is not an entry-level role. It demands a professional with over a decade of proven experience, at least five years of which must be at senior management level within the Singapore trust services sector. The successful candidate will not only advise the Board of Directors but also act as the group's Compliance Officer, ensuring that Fairway Group remains aligned with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and other regulatory bodies. In an environment where reputational risk is paramount, this role carries immense responsibility and offers an unparalleled opportunity for career advancement.

The Evolving Regulatory Landscape in Singapore's Trust Sector

Singapore has long been regarded as a premier wealth management destination, and its trust sector is undergoing significant transformation. The introduction of the Corporate Service Providers Act 2024 is a watershed moment, requiring trust companies and corporate service providers to be licensed and subject to stricter oversight. This builds on the foundation laid by the Trust Companies Act 2005, which already established a robust regulatory regime for trust business. For legal professionals, this means that expertise in these statutes, alongside the Personal Data Protection Act 2012, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1960, and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, is not just desirable—it is essential.

The Head of Legal & Compliance will be at the forefront of interpreting these laws and translating them into actionable policies. From conducting risk assessments to ensuring automated sanctions screening is always up to date, the role demands a forward-thinking individual who can anticipate regulatory shifts and prepare the company in advance. As Singapore aligns with global standards from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the compliance function has become a strategic partner to the business, not merely a cost center.

“This role is a career-defining opportunity for those who want to shape the future of trust and compliance in one of the world's most dynamic financial centres. It requires a rare blend of legal acumen, regulatory insight, and leadership courage.”

Key Responsibilities: More Than a Compliance Checklist

The responsibilities outlined in the job description illustrate the depth and breadth of this position. This is not a back-office role; it is a board-level advisory position with hands-on involvement in every aspect of the company's operations. Key accountabilities include:

• Regulatory Liaison: Building and maintaining strong relationships with MAS, ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority), and the Suspicious Transactions Reporting Office (STRO).
• Board Advisory: Attending Board meetings for each group entity and providing expert advice on legal and compliance matters, ensuring decisions are made with full awareness of regulatory obligations.
• AML/CFT/CPF Leadership: Ensuring the group complies with all applicable obligations, from customer due diligence to suspicious transaction reporting.
• Policy Development: Identifying, drafting, and updating internal policies, procedures, and controls, and training directors, staff, and contractors on their implementation.
• Risk Management: Overseeing the business risk assessment(s) and monitoring the effectiveness of internal controls, reporting findings to the Board.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Participating in the New Business Committee, where the accept/reject decisions on new clients are made, thus directly influencing the company's growth trajectory.

This is a role for someone who thrives on complexity and understands that compliance is a competitive advantage. In an era where regulators worldwide are imposing record fines for shortcomings, having a seasoned professional at the helm is invaluable.

Who Should Apply? The Experience and Qualifications Matrix

The eligibility criteria are stringent, and rightly so. Fairway Group is seeking a candidate with:

• A recognised degree in law, finance, economics, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A relevant professional qualification—be it as a lawyer, compliance professional, Chartered Accountant, or Chartered Secretary.
• At least 10 years of proven experience in a similar role, with a minimum of 5 years at senior management level within the trust services sector in Singapore.
• A track record of establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with regulators and senior management.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Singapore's corporate, trust, and anti-money laundering laws and regulations.

But beyond these formal requirements, the ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset. They will be adept at balancing regulatory requirements with business objectives, and they will possess the gravitas to earn the trust of the Board and staff alike. This is a role for a leader who can foster a culture of compliance that permeates every level of the organisation.

Why This Role Is a Career Accelerator

Working at Fairway Group offers more than a lucrative compensation package—it offers a platform for professional growth. As the head of legal and compliance for a group that is clearly expanding its Singapore operations, you will have a front-row seat to the complexities of cross-border trust management. You will work alongside high-calibre colleagues, and your advice will shape decisions at the highest level. For legal professionals aspiring to C-suite positions, this role provides direct exposure to board dynamics and strategic planning, making it a natural stepping stone to General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer roles in larger organisations.

Moreover, Singapore remains a global leader in wealth management, and the trust sector is poised for continued growth as high-net-worth individuals seek secure and compliant structures. By joining Fairway Group now, you position yourself at the centre of this growth, with opportunities to influence industry practice through your regulatory insights.

Preparing a Winning Application

Given the seniority of this role, a standard CV and cover letter will not suffice. Your application must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape and a clear vision for how you would approach the role. Here are some strategies to stand out:

• Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience: Emphasise your work with trust companies, your interactions with regulators, and your track record in implementing AML/CFT frameworks.
• Craft a compelling narrative: In your cover letter, address the specific challenges facing the trust sector, such as the Corporate Service Providers Act 2024, and explain how you have navigated similar regulatory shifts.
• Show leadership impact: Provide concrete examples of how you have built compliance teams, influenced board decisions, and mitigated risks in your previous roles.
• Prepare for a rigorous interview: Be ready to discuss case studies, regulatory scenarios, and your approach to staying abreast of legal changes.

The application process is likely to be highly competitive, with only the top 1% of candidates making the cut. Given that the job posting is already live, there is no time to waste. Update your LinkedIn profile, activate your network, and consider reaching out to recruiters specialising in legal and compliance placements in Singapore.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. Is this role open to candidates currently working outside Singapore?

The job description requires at least 5 years of experience at senior management level within the trust services sector in Singapore. This strongly suggests that the employer is looking for someone who already has deep knowledge of Singapore's regulatory environment, and therefore international candidates may be considered only if they have the requisite Singapore-specific experience. It is advisable to check with the company or LinkedIn recruiter regarding opportunities for relocation.

2. What is the application deadline?

The posting does not specify a deadline. As with most executive-level roles, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. Given the urgency implied by the “be among the first 25 applicants” notice, interested professionals should apply promptly to ensure their application is considered.

3. What are the most important qualities Fairway Group is looking for?

Based on the job description, Fairway Group is looking for a hybrid profile: a legal expert with strong corporate governance knowledge, a compliance specialist who can lead AML/CFT efforts, and a strategic leader who can advise the Board. A demonstrated ability to build relationships with regulators like MAS and ACRA is crucial, as is a forward-thinking approach to adapting to new laws like the Corporate Service Providers Act 2024.

4. How does this role contribute to the broader legal and financial ecosystem?

This role is pivotal in ensuring that Fairway Group operates with integrity and within the boundaries of the law. By maintaining a strong compliance framework, the Head of Legal & Compliance helps protect Singapore's reputation as a trusted financial centre. The role also contributes to the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, which is a global priority. For legal professionals, this is a chance to make a tangible impact on the industry's ethical standards.

In conclusion, the Head of Legal & Compliance, Trust (Singapore) role at Fairway Group is more than a job offer—it is a mandate for leadership in a complex and rapidly evolving field. If you have the experience, vision, and drive to excel, this could be the defining opportunity of your career. Take the first step by applying, and prepare to take the helm in shaping the future of trust and compliance in Singapore.