Associate, Business Management & Planning (First Line Controls)

Do you want your voice heard and your actions to count?

Discover your opportunity with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of the world’s leading financial groups. Across the globe, we’re 150,000 colleagues, striving to make a difference for every client, organization, and community we serve. We stand for our values, building long-term relationships, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world.

With a vision to be the world’s most trusted financial group, it’s part of our culture to put people first, listen to new and diverse ideas and collaborate toward greater innovation, speed and agility. This means investing in talent, technologies, and tools that empower you to own your career.

Join MUFG, where being inspired is expected and making a meaningful impact is rewarded.

MUFG is as committed to your future as you are. It is part of our culture to put people first, and that means focusing on you. Whether your goal is to advance your career, tackle new roles within financial services, refine your knowledge as a subject matter expert, or move and work abroad, MUFG provides you with the opportunity to chart your course towards career success. Invest in your potential by taking positive steps to advance your career and pursue your next opportunity with us.

MUFG is seeking an Associate for Business Management and Planning (First Line Controls) to join its esteemed Transaction Banking team in London. This position situates you at the heart of a highly regarded organisation, where your proficiency in risk management, governance, and operational controls will be both recognised and cultivated. You will operate within an environment that prioritises collegiality, knowledge exchange, and personal advancement. The role affords exposure to international banking operations, complemented by flexible working arrangements and continuous professional development. For those aspiring to combine responsibility with teamwork and contribute meaningfully to the integrity of business operations, this opportunity is unparalleled.

What you'll do:

In the capacity of Associate, Business Management and Planning (First Line Controls), you will assume a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of Transaction Banking operations. Your daily activities will encompass close collaboration with colleagues across departments such as Risk, Compliance, Audit, Finance, and other support functions. You will ensure that internal controls remain robust through meticulous first line control testing across various jurisdictions. By preparing comprehensive reports for senior management on control effectiveness and operational risks, you will contribute significantly to ongoing improvements in business processes. Participation in key projects and audits will allow you to influence the future direction of Transaction Banking. Through regular engagement with stakeholders across all lines of defence, you will foster enhanced business practices that mitigate operational risk.  

* Serve as a valued member of the Business Management and Planning team, providing assurance to senior management regarding the effective operation of internal controls in accordance with established policies and procedures.

* Oversee and review first line control testing across multiple teams with diligence, identifying findings from control assurance activities and assisting in educating the business on internal controls.

* Support the team head by preparing materials for senior management reporting on control effectiveness, including risks or issues.

* Assist in the delivery of initiatives, and audits for Transaction Banking as required, collaborating with broader business teams to facilitate change.

*Provide guidance, oversight and challenge to ensure adherence to internal operational risk and governance frameworks.

* Update and maintain first line control reports, management information, and dashboards so that accurate information is captured, monitored, and reported as necessary.

* Develop a comprehensive understanding of core systems and procedures within Transaction Banking to assess control robustness effectively.

* Engage with internal stakeholders across all three lines of defence to enhance business practices and mitigate operational risk.

* Act as a central contact point for stakeholders across Transaction Banking including Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit, Finance, and other support functions.

What you bring:

Your established experience in governance, risk management or compliance will be fundamental for excelling as an Associate Business Management and Planning (First Line Controls). You bring a dependable approach to supporting first line defence activities within regulated environments. Your ability to coordinate cross-functional reviews reflects your commitment to communal achievement. With comprehensive knowledge of banking products across multiple jurisdictions and familiarity with intricate regulatory frameworks, you are well-prepared for this position. Your interpersonal skills foster harmonious relationships among diverse teams while your structured methodology ensures precision in reporting. You excel when managing substantial workloads under pressure due to your composed demeanour. Your educational background underpins your technical competencies while your proficiency in Microsoft Office tools enhances your efficiency. Above all else, your empathy towards colleagues combined with attention to detail renders you an invaluable asset who contributes positively towards nurturing robust internal controls.

 *Degree level or equivalent work experience.

* Demonstrable experience in governance, risk management, compliance, audit or operational risk disciplines is indispensable for success in this role.

* Proven ability supporting or representing the first line of defence in risk and control matters within a regulated financial services environment.

* Established experience coordinating cross-functional reviews, assessments or oversight processes that enhance organisational effectiveness.

* Comprehensive knowledge of banking products with experience operating across multiple jurisdictions is required.

* Thorough understanding of governance frameworks including risk management, internal controls, issue management and oversight processes.

* Business acumen combined with market insight enables you to comprehend complex financial environments.

* Expertise in non-financial risk management within Transaction Banking or experience in first line controls or internal audit is highly desirable.

* Exceptional communication skills enable you to engage effectively with colleagues at all levels.

* A results-oriented approach paired with accountability ensures high-quality outcomes even under demanding deadlines.

* Structured problem-solving skills coupled with meticulous attention to detail enable you to deliver reliable outputs consistently.

* Educated to degree level or equivalent; relevant professional qualifications in risk management or compliance are preferred.

* Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with IT proficiency support your daily tasks.

What sets this company apart:

MUFG distinguishes itself through its steadfast commitment to cultivating a collaborative culture wherein every individual’s contribution is esteemed. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities that promote work-life balance alongside generous pension contributions which secure their future wellbeing. The company invests extensively in training opportunities so you may continually refine your skills within a supportive leadership framework. Diversity is celebrated here; you will find yourself working alongside individuals from varied backgrounds who share knowledge freely. The inclusive environment ensures everyone feels connected—whether through communal projects or inter-personal networks—making it effortless for you to build enduring relationships while advancing your career. The focus on nurturing talent means you will always have access to resources that facilitate both professional and personal growth. This is more than merely a workplace; it is a community dedicated to shared success where kindness and loyalty underpin every interaction.

What's next:

If you are prepared to advance your career within a supportive team environment where your expertise is genuinely valued—submit your application now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

We are open to considering flexible working requests in line with organisational requirements.

MUFG is committed to embracing diversity and building an inclusive culture where all employees are valued, respected and their opinions count. We support the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in recruitment and employment, and oppose all forms of discrimination on the grounds of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, race, gender reassignment, religion or belief and marriage or civil partnership.

We make our recruitment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner in accordance with our commitment to identifying the right skills for the right role and our obligations under the law.