A bit about us

Rabobank is the world’s leading specialist in food & agribusiness banking.  One of our key strengths lies in our people who have a deep understanding of agriculture & are committed to adding long-term value for clients.  Our commitment to our employees & clients is at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

The Head of Regulatory Affairs, based in Sydney, will lead regulatory engagement across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring compliance with all laws, regulations, and supervisory expectations. Reporting within a matrix structure to the Regional Head of Compliance and the global Regulatory Affairs Office, you will build strong, transparent relationships with regulators while providing strategic guidance to Boards and Executive teams.  As a senior member of the Compliance department, you will advise on regulatory risks and developments, support governance processes, and align regulatory expectations with business strategy.

Top Role Accountabilities:

• Serve as a key point of contact for all regulatory agencies across the region including APRA, ASIC, RBNZ, FMA, and AUSTRAC.
• Provide strategic advice to Boards and Executive/Leadership teams and committees on emerging risks and regulatory trends.
• Design and lead the execution of a comprehensive regulatory engagement strategy to strengthen relationships and ensure compliance
• Drive effective engagement with regulators, ensuring transparency and responsiveness in all interactions.
• Lead and coordinate regulatory examinations and inquiries, including AML and sanctions-related matters.
• Oversee exam readiness, quality assurance of submissions, and timely responses to regulatory requests.
• Build strong internal relationships to ensure best-practice regulatory engagement.
• Collaborate on the development and execution of the regional annual compliance plan.
• Deliver training to staff on regulatory engagement procedures, exam protocols, and key topics throughout the supervisory cycle.
• Champion continuous improvement in regulatory processes and risk mitigation strategies.

To Be Successful you will have:

• 10+ years’ experience in Regulatory Affairs, Compliance, Risk Management, Legal or similar within financial services.
• Strong knowledge of banking regulation in Australia and New Zealand and APRA, ASIC, RBNZ, FMA, AUSTRAC, and related frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience developing & leading regulatory engagement strategy.
• Deep expertise in managing through regulatory events and examinations end-to-end.
• Proven ability to influence at senior levels and lead complex regulatory processes.
• Prior experience reporting to and advising boards as a trusted advisor.
• Exceptional communication skills and strategic thinking capability.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and adept at managing competing priorities.

What we're proud to offer you:

• Rabo@Anywhere is our hybrid way of working at Rabobank and for Australia, that means we have a blend of time working between the office and home. 
• Wellbeing leave. These 2 extra leave days support greater work/life balance and is just another way we are helping our employees to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
• Education Assistance Program. Rabobank values the development of its people and has a great Education Assistance Program to assist with professional development.
• Parental Leave that supports you and your family while giving you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy this special time (up-to 14 weeks paid leave)
• Bonus and Additional Leave. We realise sometimes 4 weeks Annual Leave isn't enough! At Rabobank we provide an incentive for eligible employees to receive 1 extra week Annual Leave and an option to purchase another 2 weeks Annual Leave.
• Extra Insurance. Rabobank recognises that employees need to protect their financial wellbeing, in the event of serious illness, injury, or even death. Rabobank provides eligible permanent employees with employer-funded Death, TPD and Income Protection Insurance.
• Rabo Workplace Giving program. As part of Rabobank's global Corporate Social Responsibility, Workplace Giving aims to encourage employees to contribute to our community. Rabo Workplace Giving program matches employee donations to selected Social Partners.

Our Values

Rabobank Australia values inclusion, belonging, and positive experiences for all. Our work environment, our benefits, and the way we live our values, “Client Driven”, “Responsible”, “Professional” and “Cooperative” make it a great place to work. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Please let our Talent Acquisition team know if you need any accommodations to make our opportunities more accessible to you.