Japan Head of Compliance (CRCO)

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Japan Head of Compliance and Country Risk Compliance Officer (CRCO) leads Citi’s compliance framework in Japan. Requirements typically include extensive experience in banking compliance, regulatory affairs, risk management, and Japanese financial regulations, together with strong knowledge of global control standards. The candidate should be capable of advising senior management, overseeing regulatory compliance programs, managing compliance risk, and maintaining effective relationships with the Financial Services Agency and other regulators. Strong leadership, communication, judgment, and stakeholder-management skills are essential. Fluency in Japanese and English is generally expected, along with the ability to work across business lines and influence decisions in a complex, highly regulated environment.

About the employer

Citigroup Inc., commonly known as Citi, is a major global financial services company headquartered in New York. Through Citibank and its other businesses, Citi provides corporate and commercial banking, investment banking, markets, transaction services, consumer banking, and wealth management to clients worldwide. Japan is an important market for Citi, serving multinational corporations, financial institutions, investors, and selected consumer and institutional customers. The company operates in many countries and combines local market expertise with a global network. Its workforce supports clients with financing, payments, treasury services, risk management, securities services, and capital markets solutions. Citi places significant emphasis on regulatory compliance, responsible business conduct, risk controls, and financial crime prevention. In Japan, senior compliance leaders help ensure that business activities meet local laws, regulatory expectations, and Citi’s global policies.

Working in Japan

Japan offers strong opportunities in banking, technology, financial services, consulting, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and international business. Tokyo is the principal employment hub, while Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Yokohama also provide growing career options. Workplace culture values punctuality, preparation, teamwork, hierarchy, and respect, although international companies often have more flexible environments. Japan provides excellent public transport, safety, healthcare, food, and cultural experiences, but housing and daily expenses in Tokyo can be high. Professional roles commonly require relevant qualifications and, particularly in regulated industries, Japanese-language ability. Foreign nationals usually need an employer-sponsored work visa, such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Highly Skilled Professional visa. Employers generally assist with sponsorship and relocation paperwork. Candidates should plan for residence registration, health insurance, tax procedures, housing, and adaptation to local business customs.