Chief Risk Officer (Insurance)

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to join a leading life insurance organisation based in Ho Chi Minh City. This CRO plays a critical role in shaping the company’s risk appetite, governance frameworks, and internal controls, while fostering a strong risk culture that supports informed decision-making and sustainable growth in a regulated life insurance environment.

The CRO is responsible for leading the company’s enterprise-wide risk management strategy to protect financial stability, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold the organization’s reputation. This executive role oversees the identification, assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of strategic, financial, operational, insurance, and compliance risks.

What you'll do:

1. Enterprise Risk Management
• Serve as the second line of defence, ensuring compliance with the company’s risk framework, policies, and standards.
• Identify and manage business risks to protect the company’s brand, integrity, and financial exposure.
• Develop and implement a cross-functional risk management framework aligned with group standards.
• Introduce methodologies and tools for risk identification, measurement, and appetite setting.
• Establish reporting and escalation protocols for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide strategic risk advice and challenge decisions that exceed risk tolerance.
• Maintain strong relationships with governance committees and ensure timely communication of risk issues.
• Recommend and monitor adherence to risk policies and standards.
• Ensure the quality and relevance of data used in risk assessments.
• Oversee internal controls and external risk disclosures.

Operational Risk Management
• Lead the development and maintenance of operational risk policies and governance.
• Conduct risk assessments across products and business units.
• Advise on risk implications of new products, geographic expansion, and acquisitions.
• Validate the effectiveness of risk management processes and reduce exposure within appetite.
• Improve monitoring programs and participate in regional risk initiatives.
• Oversee aggregate operational risk across end-to-end processes.

Financial Risk Management
• Coordinate with actuarial, finance, and group financial risk teams.
• Produce financial risk reports and respond to group requirements.
• Facilitate risk identification and ensure proper categorization.
• Oversee model validation and internal model governance.
• Escalate breaches of financial risk limits and monitor mitigation plans.
• Report financial risk issues to internal committees and group stakeholders.

2. Legal
• Provide legal guidance to ensure compliance with evolving regulations and industry standards.
• Advise on corporate, regulatory, and operational legal matters.
• Lead litigation and internal investigations, recommending corrective actions.
• Supervise legal staff and support business operations.
• Review claims, contracts, policy wordings, and marketing materials.
• Manage disputes and liaise with external legal counsel.

3. Compliance
• Direct the compliance function to uphold internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor adherence to compliance policies and procedures.
• Identify vulnerabilities and implement corrective actions.
• Advise management on regulatory developments and operational compliance.
• Lead communication and training initiatives across departments and channels.
• Collaborate with regulators, corporate affairs, and HR to promote a compliance culture.

Fraud Prevention and Detection
• Develop and lead fraud management strategies and policies.
• Build awareness and promote zero tolerance for fraud across the organization.
• Ensure effective investigation protocols and staffing.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption
• Serve as the designated Anti-Bribery and Corruption Officer.
• Ensure robust controls and timely reporting of breaches.
• Conduct regular risk assessments in line with group standards.

4. People Management
• Build and lead a high-performing risk team.
• Conduct regular performance and career development reviews.
• Promote open communication and succession planning.
• Foster engagement and retain top talent.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Finance, Actuarial Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or professional certifications such as FRM, CRM, or CIA are preferred.
• 15-20 years of experience in risk management, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experienced in the life insurance or financial services industry, with solid experience managing Vietnam market required.
• Proven expertise in regulatory compliance, enterprise risk governance, and strategic risk leadership.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a leader within the life insurance sector due to its unwavering commitment to responsible growth underpinned by sound governance principles. Employees benefit from an inclusive workplace culture where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level - enabling individuals to learn from each other’s experiences while contributing their own insights towards shared goals. The company invests heavily in ongoing training initiatives designed not only to keep pace with regulatory changes but also to empower employees’ long-term career progression. Supportive leadership ensures that everyone feels heard - fostering an environment where collaboration thrives over competition. By joining this forward-thinking organisation as Chief Risk Officer you become part of a network dedicated not just to commercial success but also to making a positive difference within the wider community it serves.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this influential executive challenge where your expertise can truly shape outcomes at scale - this could be your next career-defining move. Apply now!

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.