The Distribution Risk Governance function (L1B) is responsible for ensuring that the company’s distribution channels adhere to competency standards and operate ethically and compliantly. This role leads the function in partnering with distribution risk partners, establishing governance benchmarks, monitoring distributor conduct, and implementing risk frameworks to support continued safe and sustainable growth. Additionally, the role plays a crucial part in building a strong risk culture across distribution channels.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Governance & Policy Implementation
Develop policies related to distributor competency, ethics, and professional standards.
Implement a structured governance framework to oversee distributor activities.
2. Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Conduct risk assessments across distribution channels, including retail, wholesale, and online platforms.
Identify potential risks in distribution operations and implement risk mitigation strategies and controls.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective management of operational risks.
Apply data, scenario analysis and thematic reviews to highlight emerging risks, concentration areas and interdependencies across business activities
3. Risk Monitoring
Monitor regulatory and market trends to ensure distribution channels remain compliant with relevant laws and standards.
Implement and oversee risk/ compliance frameworks to manage risks related to distribution processes.
Identify recurring themes, control gaps, and early-warning indicators based on incidents, complaints and monitoring results
Assist BU’s Distribution units to perform Risk Controls Self-assessment (RCSA) and Fraud Risk Control Assessment.
4. Conduct & Compliance Oversight
Establish and enforce guidelines for distributor behaviour, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and company policies.
Develop and implement a risk-based monitoring system to identify potential risk/ compliance issues.
Liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure the company remains compliant with industry laws and ethical standards.
5. Stakeholder Management & Collaboration
Work closely with distribution leaders to embed a risk aware culture across the organization.
Provide guidance and training to internal teams on distributor-related risk and compliance matters.
Act as the main point of contact for risk/ compliance/ audit queries related to distribution.
6. Audit, Issue Management & Remediation Governance
Oversee the full lifecycle of audit issues, and incident follow-up, ensuring timely and high-quality closure.
Provide CAP dashboards, insights and thematic findings to senior leadership.
Partner with regional L2 functions on control library updates, methodology alignment, and thematic reviews
7. Change Management Support
Participate in change initiatives and review distribution processes to ensure relevant controls are embedded in the processes
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of Compliance Advisory, Operational Risk or Business Risk experience in the financial industry.
Deep understanding of distribution processes, regulatory expectations, and/ or sales quality risks.
Skilled in control design evaluation, testing methodologies, and evidence validation.
High attention to detail and strong execution discipline; comfortable managing multiple moving parts.
Ability to simplify complex risk issues to bring forth constructive change.
Experience leading small teams or managing specialists.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
When you join our team:
We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.
About Manulife and John Hancock
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.
Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact hr@manulife.com.
Working Arrangement