Global HNW COE Office, Senior Principal

Build a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone.

At AIA, your skills, perspective and ideas can contribute to our Purpose of helping millions of people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. Across our diverse markets, you will take on meaningful challenges, collaborate with talented colleagues and help turn ideas into positive outcomes for our customers and communities.

Join us to shape what comes next, grow through new experiences and extend your impact across Asia.

About the Role

The Global HNW COE Office, Senior Principal supports the Chief Executive Officer of Global High Net Worth in shaping and executing strategic priorities to grow and expand the HNW business. The role serves as a 1.5 Line of Defence (LOD) business advisor, partnering closely with Operations & Underwriting, Distribution, intermediaries (brokers), and Legal and Risk & Compliance functions (as the second line of defence) to support Global HNW strategy and business development, governance and execution across Global HNW markets.

With a strong commercial mindset, along with legal, compliance and proven implementation experience, the role holder will provide proactive guidance on how to implement cross-border HNW initiatives and approach complex multi-jurisdictional HNW customer and wealth structures to accelerate the development of our strategic growth initiatives in these areas. The role holder is expected to partner closely with Operations, Distribution, Strategy, Legal, Risk & Compliance to devise best-in-class commercial solutions that adhere to applicable laws, regulations and the Group’s framework. Such initiatives are expected to include (but not limited to) HNW products, services, distribution models, intermediaries and market expansion initiatives and new office set-ups.

The role requires a commercially minded driven and self-starter with deep hands-on implementation expertise in cross-border initiatives, such as distribution & servicing models and new office set-ups, capable of balancing business objectives with regulatory obligations and stakeholder expectations.

This role contributes to the delivery of customer outcomes that are reliable, thoughtful, and create meaningful impact for customers and society. The role holder is expected to embed a customer first mindset in all decisions and actions by developing a clear understanding of customer needs, taking end to end ownership to resolve issues, and working collaboratively across teams to continuously enhance the customer journey—both directly and indirectly.

Roles and Responsibilities

Cross-Border Business and Regulatory Advisory (1.5 LOD)

• Serve as the primary business advisor on practical, legal, regulatory and compliance considerations relating to Global HNW business initiatives, operating as a 1.5 line of defence between the business and control functions (the second line of defence)
• Leveragng strong hands-on experience, provide guidance on cross-border insurance distribution, intermediary arrangements, customer acquisition models and market entry strategies across HNW markets.
• Work closely with Operations, Underwriting, Distribution to review complex multi-jurisdictional HNW customer cases, wealth structures and financial arrangements to identify potential legal, regulatory, AML/CFT, sanctions and reputational risks.
• Review and challenge business proposals, providing practical recommendations to mitigate risks while enabling commercial objectives.
• Assess legal and compliance implications of new products, services, operating models, digital capabilities and strategic partnerships.
• Partner with Legal, Risk & Compliance and external advisors to ensure appropriate governance and regulatory adherence for HNW business activities.
• Track emerging regulatory developments, enforcement trends and cross-border compliance requirements, and translate their business impact—including changes affecting distribution practices—into practical guidance.
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior business leaders, balancing customer, commercial, regulatory and governance considerations in strategic decision-making.

 

Business Governance

• Support business initiatives by working closely with Legal, Risk & Compliance teams to develop practical governance frameworks, operating standards and regulatory assessment approaches that enable timely stakeholder alignment, informed decision-making and sustainable Global HNW business growth.

• Develop and provide advice for product, distribution channels and market expansion on regulatory requirements and ethical sales practices.

• Facilitate leadership meetings, steering committees and governance forums, ensuring effective tracking of actions and decisions.

• Drive consistency in reporting, business performance measurement and management information across markets.

• Develop performance dashboards and management reporting to support strategic decision-making.

• Ensure effective coordination among regional stakeholders and business functions.

 

Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with senior stakeholders across Distribution, Product, Operations, Finance, Legal, Risk & Compliance functions to evaluate strategic opportunities and associated practical, legal and compliance risks.

• Act as the key liaison between business teams and second-line functions, ensuring early identification and resolution of regulatory, legal and governance issues.

• Facilitate collaboration across HNW markets to ensure alignment of strategic priorities.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the successful execution of Global HNW initiatives.

Market Intelligence & Thought Leadership

• Monitor industry developments, competitor activities, cross-border regulatory changes and emerging HNW trends.
• Prepare executive insights and recommendations regarding market opportunities and business risks.

• Contribute to the enhancement of AIA's Global HNW proposition and long-term strategic positioning.
• Drive special assignments and initiatives, as directed by CEO of Global High Net Worth.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, Finance, Economics, Risk Management or related disciplines.

• 10-15 years of experience in strategy, consulting, business management, transformation legal, compliance, or operational leadership roles within HNW insurance.

• Strong hands-on implementation experience of setting up cross-border insurance business models and new office set-ups, including practical and regulatory considerations.

• Set-up of sales processes and new license/office launch is highly desirable

• Demonstrated experience reviewing complex HNW or UHNW customer structures, international wealth arrangements.

• Experience working with senior executives and managing complex strategic initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to balance commercial objectives with governance and risk considerations.

• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

• Comfortable working in ambiguity and navigating complex stakeholder environments.

• Strong influencing and communication skills with the ability to challenge constructively and drive execution cross-functionally.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to explore innovative solutions and calculated business opportunities.

Others:

• You are required to obtain relevant license if your job involves in regulated activities

Build a career with us as we help our customers and the community live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

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