Regulatory Compliance Officer

Full Job Description

WHO IS WESTERN ASSET Western Asset Management focuses on supporting our clients’ financial goals and creating positive outcomes for all kinds of people. Primarily a globally integrated fixed-income manager, we source ideas and investment solutions worldwide, with an emphasis on long-term fundamental value investing, using multiple diversified strategies.

Western Asset Management Company Pty Ltd (“WAM”) is a registered Australian company operating with an Australian financial services licence (“AFS”). WAM is an investment advisor of fixed income mandates for wholesale clients including insurance companies, superannuation funds, statutory bodies, foreign corporate entities and, its affiliates, including Legg Mason Asset Management Australia Limited (“LM Australia”). 

The Regulatory Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that WAM operates its business in compliance with its AFS licence, regulatory obligations and fiduciary duties.

This role will report to Western Asset Management Company (“Western”) in Pasadena, California which is the home office of the Western Asset Management group of companies globally. The Regulatory Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring that WAM complies with Western’s global compliance and control standards.

What you will do

• Oversee and monitor compliance with the WAM compliance and operational policies and procedures.
• Participate as a member of Senior Management team. Act as an ambassador of Legal & Compliance to all internal stakeholders. 
• Monitor, review and update WAM Compliance Manual as required.
• All regulatory requirements
• Relevant self-regulation and codes of conduct
• Western group policies
• Major contractual obligations
• Undertake investment compliance monitoring, as needed, including:
• Review of securities positions
• Administration of investment guidelines
• Provide oversight of corporate secretarial duties

Regulatory / AFS Licensee Responsibilities:

• Liaise with Western to further develop and implement the WAM Compliance Manual as well as local and global policies.
• Provide business units with support in their compliance program as required 
• Liaise with the Management Committee and Australian Head of Business to ensure that compliance breaches are monitored, rectified and reported, if necessary.
• Liaise with Internal and External Audit and regulatory bodies as required
• Coordinate and oversee an education program which identifies the high-risk areas for WAM and fosters an awareness of the obligations that attach to business functions
• Manage Anti-Money Laundering program, including the recurring Audit, and perform as the AML/CTF Officer.
• Conduct Annual Compliance Training
• Administer Code of Ethics
• Maintain Authorized Signers List

Legal / Group Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain relevant policies and procedures which support the corporate objectives and values of the Group
• Review marketing material and provide compliance sign-off
• Liaise and co-ordinate with internal and external legal counsel 
• Collaborate with Western Legal team on local terms for investment management agreements 

Committee / Board Responsibilities:

• Report to and coordinate the Management Committee meetings
• Act as minute taker and attend Board meetings
• Prepare Board and Committee Papers as required
• Chair and organize Broker Review Committee

What you will bring

• Solid understanding of compliance and its role at WAM.
• Depth of understanding of how a funds management company operates and the compliance environment it operates under.
• Excellent understanding of corporate governance.
• Strong presentation skills for both internal and external audiences 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with the AFS licensing regime and the requirements for breach reporting, audit and compliance.
• Meticulous and detail oriented approach
• Team player, with pro-active attitude towards accomplishing tasks with a high level of personal accountability
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and deadlines
• Relevant tertiary degree (such as a Bachelor’s degree in Law or Business) 
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the finance industry, preferably within investment management

About Western Asset

At Western Asset we’re saying hello to the future. Committed to being the leading fixed-income investment management firm in the world, we’re investing in new technologies, methodologies and markets. We’re also investing in our people. Our business is guided by a belief in doing the right thing: that if we treat our clients and colleagues with fairness and respect, success will follow. We’re building on our reputation and resources with an entrepreneurial approach that drives innovation. Every day is an opportunity for us to get better by making the most of the possibilities that our people and ideas can bring.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We believe a diverse and cohesive workforce promotes the formation of different ideas and viewpoints, enhances independent thinking, and helps create a work environment where the best ideas are identified and implemented. We are committed to unlocking the power of diversity through an inclusive environment that affords everyone the opportunity to develop individually, advance professionally and participate fully in the Firm’s success.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ("EEO")

Western Asset Management is an Equal Opportunity/AffirmativeAction Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition (including pregnancy and related conditions), physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, and/or any other characteristic protected by law.

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