Job Summary
The Executive Director, Head of Private Banking Sales, Bancassurance, is a senior leadership role critical to driving strategic growth and operational excellence within our Private Banking insurance distribution business. The position focuses on servicing the Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) client segment by enhancing insurance product penetration and revenue generation through expert advisory services and bespoke insurance solutions.
This role demands a visionary leader who can craft and execute a differentiated insurance sales strategy aligned with the broader Private Banking objectives, working in close partnership with the Private Banking Front Office, insurer partners, and brokerage networks to unlock new business opportunities while maintaining exceptional client experience standards.
Key Strategic Responsibilities
You will spearhead the development and continual refinement of our insurance and legacy planning propositions, embedding these solutions seamlessly within the wider wealth management offering for UHNW clients. Establishing clear medium- and long-term sales targets, you will champion innovative approaches to market expansion and client engagement.
Operational Leadership
Your leadership will ensure delivery against annual distribution targets, balancing in-house expertise with external broker partnerships. Through rigorous pipeline management and market insight dissemination, you will enhance sales effectiveness and identify emerging trends.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Process Optimization
As the in-house subject matter expert, you will guide multiple internal teams on insurance matters and partner with insurers to continuously improve service delivery and underwriting processes tailored to the complex structures of UHNW clients. Ensuring smooth end-to-end referral and sales processes will be essential to maintaining client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
People & Talent Development
Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team of insurance professionals, fostering a culture that prioritizes ethical standards, compliance, and continuous learning. You will design and implement focused training programmes to elevate the capabilities of Relationship Managers in integrating insurance solutions within wealth planning.
Risk Management & Compliance
Ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies related to insurance distribution. This includes oversight of sales conduct and client suitability assessments to uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness.
Governance & Reporting
Represent the insurance sales function in senior management forums, contributing to strategic deliberations, risk governance, and performance reporting. You will provide clear and timely updates on business outcomes and risk profiles, aligning with organisational governance expectations.
Business Development and Market Engagement
Drive targeted sales campaigns and collaborative initiatives with insurer and broker partners to generate new business and deepen client engagement. Regularly analyse market trends and client feedback to refine sales approaches and product offerings.
Process Excellence
Champion end-to-end operational efficiency throughout the insurance sales lifecycle, ensuring seamless coordination with internal and external stakeholders and enhancing client service standards.
Client Relationship Management
Work closely with Private Banking teams to understand evolving client needs, delivering tailored insurance solutions that complement their wealth strategies while fostering long-term partnerships.
Competencies Required
- Action Oriented: Demonstrates a proactive approach and drives projects to completion efficiently.
- Collaborates: Works effectively across teams and with external partners to achieve common goals.
- Customer Focus: Prioritises client needs and delivers high-quality service experiences.
- Gives Clarity & Guidance: Provides clear direction and feedback to ensure team alignment and performance.
- Manages Ambiguity: Navigates uncertain or complex situations with confidence and adaptability.
- Develops Talent: Actively mentors and supports the professional growth of team members.
- Drives Vision & Purpose: Inspires others by articulating a compelling strategic direction.
- Nimble Learning: Quickly assimilates new information and applies it to changing contexts.
- Decision Quality: Makes informed, timely decisions that balance risk and opportunity.
- Courage: Addresses challenges directly and champions difficult conversations.
- Instills Trust: Builds credibility through integrity and consistent delivery.
- Strategic Mindset: Thinks ahead and plans initiatives aligned with long-term objectives.
- Technical Competencies: Possesses deep knowledge in insurance products, regulatory frameworks, and wealth management integration relevant to Private Banking and UHNW clientele.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are searching for an accomplished and forward-thinking leader with extensive expertise in life insurance, particularly within private banking and high-net-worth insurance brokerage environments. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the unique dynamics and expectations of UHNW clients, coupled with a demonstrated track record of business growth and strategic management.
- A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required; possession of advanced qualifications such as an MBA provides added value.
- Professional financial certifications such as CFA, CFP, CPA, or specialized qualifications in Tax or Trust services are highly desirable.
- At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in life insurance, with proven success managing complex insurance sales operations within Private Banking sectors focused on HNW and UHNW clients.
- Proven capabilities in developing and executing business strategies delivering sustained revenue growth with full responsibility for profit and loss management.
- Comprehensive knowledge of insurance product structures, underwriting processes, and regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions relevant to UHNW wealth management.
- Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to engage and build credibility with senior leadership, external partners, and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Valid IA TR(A) / TR(B) licences covering Long Term Business including Linked Long Term Business are required.
- Experience in Regulatory Oversight (RO) roles is advantageous.
- Possession of qualifications from the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI) Papers 1, 7 and 8 is preferred.
What we offer
In line with our Fair Pay Charter, we offer a competitive salary and benefits to support your mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.
- Core bank funding for retirement savings, medical and life insurance, with flexible and voluntary benefits available in some locations.
- Time-off including annual leave, parental/maternity (20 weeks), sabbatical (12 months maximum) and volunteering leave (3 days), along with minimum global standards for annual and public holiday, which is combined to 30 days minimum.
- Flexible working options based around home and office locations, with flexible working patterns.
- Proactive wellbeing support through Unmind, a market-leading digital wellbeing platform, development courses for resilience and other human skills, global Employee Assistance Programme, sick leave, mental health first-aiders and all sorts of self-help toolkits
- A continuous learning culture to support your growth, with opportunities to reskill and upskill and access to physical, virtual and digital learning.
- Being part of an inclusive and values driven organisation, one that embraces and celebrates our unique diversity, across our teams, business functions and geographies - everyone feels respected and can realise their full potential.
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