By Andy Clubbe, Compliance and Risk

I am originally from the UK, and I have been working in executive search in the financial services industry in Tokyo for the past 18 years. Over the years I’ve witnessed career moves that ended in fairy-tale happy endings and others with less-than-ideal outcomes. No one should move without consulting experts, and this is true when regulators consider working as an in-house compliance officer. Moving from regulatory body to financial institution is fairly common in jurisdictions such as the UK and the US and offers a unique and rewarding career path. When done right, this shift brings a variety of benefits, both professionally and personally, enabling individuals to leverage their regulatory experience while embracing new challenges.

Professionals who have worked as regulators possess a deep and nuanced understanding of regulatory frameworks and enforcement practices. This knowledge is invaluable to financial institutions, which must navigate complex regulatory environments. In an in-house compliance role, former regulators can apply their expertise to ensure the institution remains compliant with all relevant laws and regulations, thereby mitigating risk and avoiding potential business improvement orders or sanctions.

Compliance officers play a critical role in shaping the policies and procedures of their organizations. Moving from a regulatory position allows individuals to transition from an enforcement role to one where they can proactively influence and implement best practices within a financial institution. This shift can lead to greater job satisfaction as professionals see the direct impact of their work on the institution’s operations and culture.

Working within a financial institution provides exposure to various aspects of the business, including operations, risk management, and strategic planning. This broader exposure can facilitate career development and open up opportunities for advancement into senior leadership roles.

In-house compliance roles involve close collaboration with different departments, such as legal, risk, finance and operations. This interdepartmental collaboration can enhance problem-solving capabilities and foster a more cohesive approach to managing compliance issues. Building strong relationships across the organization also provides a more comprehensive understanding of how different functions operate.

Compliance officers are uniquely positioned to influence the strategic direction of their organizations. By providing insights into regulatory trends and potential impacts, compliance professionals can help shape business strategies that align with regulatory expectations while supporting organizational goals. This strategic influence can lead to a more resilient and adaptive institution.

The dynamic nature of financial institutions, coupled with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, ensures that in-house compliance roles remain challenging and intellectually stimulating. Professionals moving from regulatory positions to in-house roles can enjoy a diverse work environment where they continuously learn and adapt to new challenges,

To summarise, transitioning from a financial services regulator to an in-house compliance role at a financial institution offers numerous benefits, from leveraging regulatory expertise to enjoying enhanced career development opportunities. This career move allows professionals to make a significant impact within their organizations while enjoying competitive compensation and a dynamic work environment. For those seeking a challenging and rewarding career path, the move to in-house compliance is a strategic and beneficial choice.

I have personally assisted numerous professionals in Japan to make the move from a financial services regulator to a role in the private sector and many of those individuals have gone on to have successful careers leading to roles such as Head of Compliance and Senior Advisors and Partners within leading Consulting firms.

For a confidential discussion about how you can make this move, please reach out to me at andy.clubbe@justlegal.co.jp