Chief Compliance Officer

iA Financial Group•Montreal, QC

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The incumbent is responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining iAGAM's compliance framework to ensure compliance with securities legislation. The role continuously monitors and assesses iAGAM's activities, representatives and employees to identify, prevent and address non-compliance risks. The incumbent also ensures that iAGAM's activities comply with internal policies and procedures, while keeping the organization's practices aligned with leading industry standards and regulatory expectations. This role combines regulatory accountability, team leadership and a strategic contribution to the growth and institutionalization of compliance practices. It requires sound judgement, the ability to influence business teams, a pragmatic approach to compliance risk management and a strong collaborative mindset across the organization. The role is carried out in close collaboration with iAGAM's Legal Services team. The incumbent is also responsible for the operational risk management of the Investments sector. The incumbent operates with the full functional independence required for the role and maintains a direct relationship with the Chief Investment Officer, who acts as Ultimate Designated Person (UDP) under National Instrument 31-103. The incumbent also maintains a functional relationship with the Chief Compliance Officer of iA Financial Group to ensure alignment of compliance priorities and practices, as well as direct access for advice and escalation as required.

Requirements

Significant experience in a senior compliance role within an asset management or securities organization, including portfolio oversight, operational risk or related responsibilities.
Excellent knowledge of financial products, securities regulation applicable to a portfolio manager, exempt market dealer and investment fund manager in Canada and Quebec, and compliance practices specific to this sector.
Demonstrated experience managing compliance policies, procedures, controls and frameworks.
Knowledge of surveillance tools, conflicts-of-interest management, compliance systems, data and management indicators; knowledge of Bloomberg or similar compliance modules is an asset.
Successful completion of the following courses: Canadian Securities Course, Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Course, and Chief Compliance Officers Qualifying Examination.
University degree in finance, accounting, economics, law or a related field.
Advanced level of French proficiency is required, as the successful candidate will be required to communicate and collaborate with French-speaking partners on a regular basis.
Ability to establish and maintain relationships with industry peers, other sectors of iA Financial Group and regulators.
Focus on continuous improvement, data enablement, operational efficiency and the adoption of technology solutions.

Nice To Haves

The CFA designation is an asset.
professional designations or specialized securities training are assets.

Responsibilities

Lead the oversight and supervision of iAGAM's compliance function.
Establish, maintain and evolve compliance-related policies and procedures.
Provide appropriate reporting to governance bodies and escalate compliance matters when required.
Promptly inform the Ultimate Designated Person (UDP) of any significant compliance matter and provide the information required for the UDP to discharge their regulatory responsibilities.
Align the function with iA Financial Group frameworks, standards and reporting mechanisms, while reflecting the specific requirements of a portfolio manager, exempt market dealer and investment fund manager.
Periodically assess the effectiveness of the compliance system, produce required regulatory reports and maintain direct access to the Ultimate Designated Person (UDP), the Board of Directors and relevant governance bodies.
Promote a robust compliance culture that is embedded in investment activities and aligned with regulatory expectations.
Oversee recruitment, development and performance management for members of the team.
Engage and develop employees to achieve established objectives.
Prioritize initiatives, allocate resources and ensure continuity of key compliance activities.
Plan for and secure the resources, expertise and technology capabilities required to deliver the function's mandate effectively.
Structure the function to support organizational growth and deepen critical expertise.
Ensure that portfolios comply with applicable regulation, investment policies and mandate-specific constraints.
Oversee the evolution of monitoring mechanisms, including the coding and maintenance of investment constraints.
Strengthen tools, controls and indicators used to monitor complex investment strategies and constraints.
Identify and implement corrective actions and enhancements required to strengthen the oversight program.
Keep current with industry leading practices in compliance and oversight.
Work collaboratively with portfolio management, trading, operations, risk, technology and governance functions.
Work closely with iAGAM's Legal Services team to ensure complementary legal and compliance perspectives, continuously clarify respective responsibilities, coordinate the handling of matters and advise business lines on the interpretation and impact of legislative and regulatory changes, as well as the measures required to comply with them.
Support investment teams in developing pragmatic solutions that balance business objectives, the regulatory framework and risk appetite.
Maintain strong relationships with business lines to promote a collaborative and effective approach to compliance.
Oversee the effectiveness of compliance processes, controls, frameworks and policies.
Define and monitor key performance, risk and control indicators for the function.
Contribute to operational effectiveness, strong controls and the prevention of recurring issues.
Guide the evolution of technology tools, data and digital solutions that support monitoring, controls and compliance activities.