Job Summary

The Assurance Function starting 2026 through a realignment and productivity uplift to make it fit for the future strategy of the Group and sit it within benchmark of peer globally systemic international banks. This work is expected to complete not later than mid-2027 with the most material change coming by end 2026.

As we enter the heaviest stage of implementation, additional capacity is required to be dedicated to leading the change. In addition, the Fit for Growth (FFG) approvals included certain commitments that must be upheld.

The role is created to focus full time on delivering of the Assurance change programme to enable the function of the future and in parallel and for the future provide and manage the underlying capability and strategy for Data, Analytics and System architecture working with the 1LOD Testing Function, GIA and GRS AI Function. It will manage a 1LOD Testing and 2LOD Assurance data utility aligned to the three lines of defence data strategy for end-to-end testing and assurance co-ordination.  In addition, this role will manage the Assurance Testing utility, which in part will transfer to the 1LOD Group Chief Control Office when established in late 2026/2027.

Reporting & Organisation Structure
•    For Assurance FoF Transformation, Data, Analytics and Systems strategy and management of the Assurance Testing Utility, a solid line into Katie Butterworth (Global Head, Assurance), and,
•    For Assurance GRS Services & Transformation, solid line into Priyesh Khanna (Head, Services and Transformation).
•    There will be an informal reporting line to the Head of 1LOD Testing for provision of 1LOD Testing data. 
•    All roles within scope or adjunct will report into this role for 2026 to avoid shadow organisations, this to be determined in February 2026. 
•    The role will sit within Assurance MT, and GRS and Transformation MT.

Key Responsibilities

Role Purpose
•    The role “Global Head, Data and Analytics and Global Risk Services & Transformation, Assurance” acts as the accountable executive for the Fit for Growth (FFG) funded changes to Assurance and any BAU funded change that collectively delivers a transformation for the Assurance Function in line with commitments made to the FFG and as part of the Corporate Plan.
•    The role holder will develop with the Assurance MT the vision for the programme and ensure progress toward it, including in relation to use of data and innovation with technology (including working with the AI Centre of Excellence in GRS for AI adoption and enablement), location, processes and management arrangements.
•    The role will manage a joint 1LOD Testing and 2LOD Assurance data utility.
•    The Role will work with 1LOD, GIA and Enterprise Risk Management’s Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) Architecture of the future.
•    The role will create, manage and execute the data and analytics strategy of Assurance, working with 1LOD and GIA.
•    The role will manage the Assurance Testing Utility, which in part will transfer to the 1LOD Group Chief Control Office when established in late 2026/2027.
•    The responsibilities include:
o     Realigning Assurance as a data driven and prioritised organisation that delivers clear and exceptional value to the clients of the function (Businesses, Boards, Regulators) efficiently.  
o    Providing an outstanding colleague experience, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and productivity focus.
o    Integrating the change work with other Group wide transformation initiatives within and beyond FFG (e.g. Process Simplification, Controls Simplification, Financial Crime E2E, Adoption of AI, Project Vantage etc) with particular focus on building ever more activity in partnership with the Risk function as an integrated second line of defence.
o    Ensuring agreed changes to business model (e.g. surveillance activities) that realign to 1LOD ownership are identified and delivered. 
o    Work closely with 1LOD Testing, GIA, and GRS AI Centre of Excellence to identify synergies in building future state GRC architecture, systems and use of AI.

•    This role holder will inspire transformation at every level, building a culture of excellence and innovation that benefits clients, colleagues, and the broader community.
•    Foster collaboration among teams to unlock FOF/FFG benefits via transversals, leading the way in Assurance transformation to stay focused on delivering FFG commitments.
•    The role sets the programme's strategic direction and develops a multi-year transformation roadmap aligned with organisational objectives. 
•    The role coordinates closely with the Assurance MT to communicate progress to management and other key forums.
•    Accountable to design and optimise the Assurance organisation model within GRS and any staffs located in GBS rolling up today into Assurance, including spans, layers, and location strategy for efficiency and sustainability.
•    Drive AI adoption as a tangible enabler, working closely with the GRS AI Centre of Excellence and ensuring they support Assurance functions.
•    Success will be assessed against the FoF Transformation, Horizontal Services, and the Assurance OKRs.

Strategy
•    Work with Assurance MT members to shape and execute the Assurance Function of the Future transformation strategy.
•    Work with the GRS AI Centre of Excellence to develop and embed AI strategy enablement in support Assurance processes & OKR and establish an AI COE or a suitable model to drive AI augmentation, automation.
•    Deliver 1LOD Testing and 2LOD Assurance data requirements
•    Partner with 1LOD, GIA and RCFC to leverage data, systems and innovation
•    Drive Assurance and GRS organisational design changes (spans/layers, talent strategy) for long-term sustainability.
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to find improvements and boost client experience, operational efficiency, and risk management effectiveness.
•    Achieve cost savings by partnering with stakeholders and staying within budgets.
•    Prioritize and support initiatives that optimize value, efficiency, effectiveness, and cost reduction.
•    Oversee risks and initiative execution to ensure compliance with regulations and risk policies.

Programme Management and Governance
•    Develop and manage programme strategies to meet business goals, focusing on cost, quality, and delivery.
•    Ensure integrated governance and delivery guardrails.
•    Assess current services and identify opportunities for improvement or transformation.
•    Monitor progress, spot risks early, and recommend changes as needed to keep the programme on track.
•    Communicate effectively with stakeholders and leadership, providing regular updates and guidance.
•    Encourage continuous improvement and build strong relationships to ensure programme success.

Business
•    Collaborate with Assurance MT & SLT, as well as designated programme leads, to clarify objectives, establish actions, and regularly monitor and review progress.
•    Deliver a best in class Data and Analytics strategy to support a data driven and prioritised Assurance function complementing the 1LOD Testing and GIA functions and supporting 1LOD Testing data requirements.
•    Manage the Assurance Testing Utility, ensuring service is maintained and in part transferred to the 1LOD when created with the Group Chief Control Office.
•    Align Assurance transformation with Services & Transformation objectives, ensuring synergies across horizontal services.
•    Support funding and delivery guardrails for new service capabilities.
•    Promote financial discipline to achieve targets set by the Corporate Plan and budgets, following key programme measures.
•    Facilitate alignment between programmes for collective prioritisation, design, and management of significant change initiatives.

Processes
•    Ensure adherence to change management standards and initiate corrective measures when deviations occur.
•    Incorporate AI-driven process optimisation and automation into Assurance workflows.
•    Ensure all aspects of programme management are consistently executed to align with leading market benchmarks, while upholding robust governance and operational risk oversight.
•    Oversee processes related to projects, products, clients, and controls within the programme to verify their suitability and compliance with regulatory requirements, addressing deficiencies as required.

People & Talent
•    Influence a team of strategy & digital transformation project and program leads to deliver the Programme’s objectives.
•    Lead the team across Assurance Services & Transformation and horizontal services, ensuring clarity of accountability.
•    Accountable to build and optimise a sustainable talent pool supported by career pathway opportunities both vertically in Domains and horizontally across GRS, Transformation and Managed Services
•    Model desired culture and values, set clear expectations, and collaborate with risk and control partners.
•    Provide ongoing training to ensure critical roles are filled by qualified individuals under effective supervision.
•    Work with the GRS People Capability team and GRS AI Centre of Excellence to empower teams with AI training and capability building.
•    Review team structure and capacity plans as needed.
•    Set, monitor, and assess direct reports’ job objectives, providing feedback and rewards based on performance.

Risk Management
•    Understand key risks to the Group and how the programme may impact risk management.
•    Extend risk oversight to new service areas and ensure robust governance for AI-enabled processes.
•    Make decisions with full awareness of relevant risks and controls.
•    Proactively identify, escalate, mitigate, and resolve risk, conduct, and compliance issues throughout the project.
•    Maintain Risk Registers for all project activities, track remediation, ensure Assurance MT and FoF Program oversight, and escalate thematic issues as needed.
•    Align all project actions and decisions with the bank’s Risk Management Framework.

Governance
•    Escalate matters requiring immediate attention directly to Global Head of Assurance as required. 
•    Awareness and understanding of the regulatory framework in which the Group operates, and the regulatory requirements and expectations relevant to the role.
•    Responsible for delivering ‘effective governance;’ capability to challenge fellow executives effectively; and willingness to work with any local regulators in an open and cooperative manner.
•    Establish appropriate programme governance oversight, including a PSC, a PWG and Change Review Board as applicable.
•    Establish strong programme management controls, for example:
o    Project planning, tracking, and reporting.
o    Programme change control.
o    Resource management.
o    Risks, issues, and dependencies management.
o    Vendor management.
o    Benefits assurance.
o    Business change management.

Regulatory & Business Conduct
•    Display exemplary conduct and live by the Group’s Values and Code of Conduct.
•    Take personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct, across Standard Chartered Bank. This includes understanding and ensuring compliance with, in letter and spirit, all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and the Group Code of Conduct.
•    Effectively and collaboratively identify, escalate, mitigate, and resolve risk, conduct and compliance matters.

Key stakeholders
•    Risk Management Team
•    CFCR Management Team
•    Global Head of Assurance
•    Global Head of GRS and Transformation
•    Global Head of Assurance’s Management Team
•    Global Head of GRS and Transformation’s Management Team (in particular GRS AI COE Lead)
•    Global Head of Testing (aligned to GCCO)
•    Risk & CFCR Country CROs/CCO 
•    Group Internal Audit

•    Legal, SIS & GCS
•    COOs – business and functions
•    Group Chief Controls Officer
•    1LOD testing teams
•    Key regulatory bodies (as required) – e.g. Bank of England, PRA and FCA
•    Appointed Regulatory Monitors

Other Responsibilities
•    Embed Here for good and Group’s brand and values in the Global Assurance team 
•    Perform other responsibilities assigned under Group, Country, Business or Functional policies and procedures;
•    Conduct internal investigation in rare circumstances where the both the Shared Investigative Services team and Compliance Speaking-up team are both implicated in an investigation.
•    Execute director responsibilities to entities where appointed as a Director, to ensure effective oversight and governance in line with local laws and the Group’s polices and risk frameworks

Skills and Experience

•    Planning: Tactical, Strategic
•    Business Acumen
•    Impact Measurement
•    Transformation
•    Change Management
•    Business Intelligence
•    Programme / Project Management 
•    Process & Services
•    Stakeholder Management
•    Financial Modelling

Qualifications

•    Strong business acumen, Assurance, Testing, Transformation Data and Analytics skills and experience
•    Strong business skills to drive AI adoption and enablement
•    Proven innovation through use of data and system architecture build and execution.
•    Strong programme management skills and leadership qualities, excellent interpersonal, influencing and stakeholder management skills. 
•    The role holder should have delivered large scale transformation programs in multi geography multi product line organization. 
•    Be detail-oriented and have problem-solving skills.
•    Exceptional communication skills and ability to inspire and manage cross-functional teams.
•    Highly inquisitive with an ability to flex approach for different audiences and situations.
•    Ability to learn is essential – being able to understand the impact across the narrative of the Bank with each new regulation, and strategic decision, among others.

About Standard Chartered

We're an international bank, nimble enough to act, big enough for impact. For more than 170 years, we've worked to make a positive difference for our clients, communities, and each other. We question the status quo, love a challenge and enjoy finding new opportunities to grow and do better than before. If you're looking for a career with purpose and you want to work for a bank making a difference, we want to hear from you. You can count on us to celebrate your unique talents and we can't wait to see the talents you can bring us.

Our purpose, to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, together with our brand promise, to be here for good are achieved by how we each live our valued behaviours. When you work with us, you'll see how we value difference and advocate inclusion.

Together we:

• Do the right thing and are assertive, challenge one another, and live with integrity, while putting the client at the heart of what we do
• Never settle, continuously striving to improve and innovate, keeping things simple and learning from doing well, and not so well
• Are better together, we can be ourselves, be inclusive, see more good in others, and work collectively to build for the long term

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.