Job Description
The Ares Legal & Compliance Department oversees and manages Ares’ global Legal, Regulatory and Compliance functions and programs. Under the leadership of the Global Chief Compliance Officer, the Compliance and Regulatory functions are comprised of teams that operate collaboratively with a global focus, including Regulatory, which oversees all global regulatory matters including the Advisers Act, Investment Company Act and FINRA; European and Asia Pacific Compliance, which oversees region-specific compliance and regulatory matters, including with laws and regulations in Australia; Corporate Compliance, which administers global policies and central compliance and oversight functions; and Financial Crimes Prevention, which oversees Ares’ adherence to financial crimes-related rules and regulations.
Ares is looking to appoint a Vice President, Compliance, to handle and assist with regulatory and compliance matters to support the Ares Australia business. Ares Australia operates four business lines: (a) Private Credit, (b) Infrastructure Debt, (c) Private Equity, (d) Ares Wealth Management Solutions. This role will provide compliance coverage across these diverse businesses to support regulatory adherence and will work closely with regional and global Compliance functions within Ares.
We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is a competent and passionate compliance professional with a desire to excel and appreciate the exposure and challenges that are provided by the growth and expansion of Ares businesses in the Asia Pacific region and reflective of the rapidly changing regulatory and compliance environment. Individuals comfortable in a fast-paced environment will be best suited for the role.
Primary Functions and Essential Responsibilities:
Act as compliance lead for the Australia business and registered MLRO for Australia
Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, including Australia financial services licensing obligations, Corporations Act, ASIC RGs, and AUSTRAC AML/CTF requirements
Maintain and update the AML/CTF Program and ensure it remains effective and compliant with regulatory expectations
Monitor regulatory developments, assess business impacts and develop, review and implement policies and processes to comply with regulatory requirements
Provide timely advice on regulatory obligations relating to existing and proposed business activities, including new products, strategies and client relationships
Support Australia investment and deal teams on deal-related due diligence and risk assessments
Lead responses to regulatory reviews, external audits, and internal compliance reviews
Engage with regulators on compliance matters and regulatory developments
Develop and deliver compliance training programs covering internal policies, regulatory obligations and industry standards
Support compliance with relevant Ares global and regional internal processes and policies, and assist with other strategic and ad-hoc compliance initiatives as needed
Qualifications:
Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree. Juris Doctor (JD) or other advanced degree considered a plus
Minimum of 7 years of experience in compliance, AML/CTF, legal or regulatory roles, preferably with experience in the alternative investment management industry with exposure to specific asset classes such as private credit, private equity and/or infrastructure debt
Experience in interacting with regulatory bodies/agencies (ASIC, AUSTRAC etc.) is required
Experience with fund distribution compliance matters, such as advising on requirements for regulated disclosure documents (e.g., Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) for managed funds) is preferred
Familiarity with U.S. regulated funds and regulatory regimes (e.g., SEC, FINRA) and/or cross-border compliance considerations is preferred
Skills and Abilities Required:
Strong understanding of Australian regulatory frameworks, including financial services and license obligations in Australia, ASIC RGs, AUSTRAC AML/CTF regulations, sanctions and financial crime regulations and issues
Strong knowledge of the Australian managed funds industry, fund distribution compliance requirements, wealth management structures and/or distribution channels is advantageous
Proactive management approach, including effective upward management
Strong communication and interpersonal skills and excellent team orientation
Strategic thinking, sound judgement and strong decision-making capabilities
Have strong sense of ownership spirit, and able to work independently
Possess multi-tasking skills and ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Reporting Relationships
Vice President, APAC ComplianceThere is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.
