Risk & Compliance Jobs in Singapore 2026: Why Demand Is Surging and How Professionals Can Prepare

This article is written in English for international readers in Singapore. Chinese and Japanese translations are available on our website.

Risk & Compliance Jobs in Singapore 2026: Why Demand Is Surging and How Professionals Can Prepare

Singapore’s Banking & Finance sector is entering 2026 with one of the strongest hiring surges seen in years — and the momentum is coming from Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance.

Across global banks, local banks, corporate services, fintech and corporate treasury teams, Risk and Compliance have become the core pillars of workforce planning, especially as governance and regulatory expectations intensify.

From MAS tightening guidelines to rising financial crime risks and digital transformation across financial institutions, organisations now view these two functions as strategic investments rather than cost centres.

This article dives into the latest salary benchmarks, market movements and skills professionals must build for career success in 2026.

🔹 1. Why Risk & Compliance Are the Fastest-Growing Banking Functions in 2026

1. MAS Regulatory Updates Are Driving Talent Demand

Singapore continues to strengthen its stance on:

• Financial crime and fraud prevention
• Customer due diligence
• Liquidity and capital adequacy
• ESG reporting and sustainability governance
• Third-party risk management

These updates require banks to expand hiring across:

• AML/KYC/CDD
• Transaction Monitoring
• Operational Risk
• Liquidity & Market Risk
• Compliance Advisory
• Internal Audit

2. Growth of Digital Banking & Fintech

Singapore’s fintech ecosystem — including payments, wealthtech, regtech and digital banking — is increasing demand for:

• Licensing compliance (PSA, CMSL)
• Crypto/virtual asset compliance
• Risk modelling
• Data and fraud analytics

Professionals with hybrid backgrounds (Banking + Tech) are commanding above-market premiums.

3. Global Market Volatility = More Oversight Roles

Following the restructuring in 2024–2025 among global banks, Singapore has become a hub for stabilising functions:

• Risk
• Controls
• Compliance
• Finance oversight
• Product control

This shift supports steady mid–senior hiring even when front-office roles slow down.

🔹 2. Salary Trends for Risk & Compliance in 2026

Reeracoen’s Salary Guide 2025 and market placements show consistent upward salary movement, especially at mid–senior levels.

⭐ Risk & Compliance Salary Benchmarks (Monthly, SGD)

Role Level	Salary Range (SGD)
Analyst	4,200 – 6,000
Senior Analyst	5,500 – 7,500
Assistant Manager	6,500 – 8,500
Manager	8,500 – 12,000
Senior Manager	12,000 – 16,000
VP	15,000 – 23,000

Key insight:

Risk & Compliance roles are expected to see 8–12 percent salary increases in 2026 — the highest across all Banking & Finance job families.

🔹 3. The Most In-Demand Roles for 2026

Risk Roles

• Credit Risk (Corporate / Wholesale Banking)
• Operational Risk & Internal Controls
• Market Risk / Liquidity Risk
• Fraud Risk & Investigations
• Enterprise Risk & Policy Governance

Compliance Roles

• AML / CFT / KYC / CDD
• Transaction Monitoring
• Regulatory Reporting (MAS)
• Compliance Advisory (Retail, Corporate, Private Banking)
• Licensing Compliance (CMSL / PSA / Digital Assets)

🔹 4. Skills You Need to Succeed in Risk & Compliance in 2026

Technical Skills

• MAS compliance frameworks
• Financial crime investigation
• Stress-testing models
• Basel III and liquidity risk standards
• Enhanced due diligence (EDD)
• Digital fraud analytics
• Controls testing and governance

Digital Skills

• SQL
• Python
• Data visualisation tools
• Regtech solutions
• AI-based monitoring and workflow tools

Soft Skills

• Strong stakeholder management
• Ability to interpret regulatory changes
• Attention to detail
• Crisis management and scenario planning
• Clear and structured communication

🔹 5. What Employers Want in Risk & Compliance Candidates

Top employer priorities:

1. Strong regulatory interpretation
2. Accuracy and zero-tolerance compliance mindset
3. Ability to work cross-functionally
4. Ability to manage MAS interactions
5. Digital literacy (SQL, automation tools)

Hiring trend:
Companies now prefer fewer but more capable hires.
This means professionals with broader skill sets are more valuable than ever.

🔹 6. What Candidates Want in 2026 (Based on APAC Whitepaper Data)

Top motivators for Risk & Compliance professionals:

1. Salary increments between 12–20 percent
2. Long-term stability & strong governance culture
3. Hybrid work (1–2 days WFH)
4. Clear progression and upskilling opportunities
5. Supportive leadership and mental well-being policies

Notably:
🔸 2 in 5 candidates reject offers due to unclear career progression.
This is especially common for AML/KYC and Operational Risk roles.

🔹 7. How Companies Can Attract Strong Risk & Compliance Talent

1. Offer transparent salary bands

Candidates prefer clarity over negotiation.

2. Shorten hiring processes

Talented candidates often receive multiple offers.

3. Provide hybrid work

Risk and Compliance functions are suitable for partial WFH.

4. Invest in certifications

Supporting ICA, ACAMS, FRM or CFA boosts retention.

5. Build strong compliance culture

Professionals increasingly want employers with ethical leadership.

🔹 8. How Reeracoen Supports Risk & Compliance Hiring

Reeracoen partners with local banks, global banks, fintech and corporate service providers to hire:

• Risk
• Compliance
• Internal Audit
• Finance
• Governance & controls

We offer:

• Targeted headhunting
• Salary benchmarking
• Shortlist delivery in 3–5 days
• Cross-border bilingual talent
• Confidential searches

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why are Risk & Compliance jobs in high demand in Singapore?

Due to stronger MAS guidelines, financial crime risks and governance priorities.

2. Are Risk & Compliance salaries increasing?

Yes — these roles see the highest pay growth in Banking & Finance for 2026.

3. What skills do I need to work in Compliance?

AML/KYC, MAS regulations, transaction monitoring and strong communication skills.

4. What qualifications help?

ACAMS, ICA, CFA, FRM, CPA and governance certifications.

5. Is hybrid work allowed?

Yes — many compliance and risk functions now offer hybrid work.

 

Need to hire Risk or Compliance talent in 2026? 
Our specialist B&F team can support your search with targeted insights.
 👉 Contact us

Looking to grow your career in Risk or Compliance?
 Connect with our advisers for personalised guidance.
 👉 Explore roles

 

✅ Final Author Credit
By Valerie Ong (Regional Marketing Manager)
Published by Reeracoen Singapore — a leading recruitment agency in APAC.

 

🔗 Related Articles 

• Singapore’s Labour Market in 3Q 2025: Growth Is Back, but Hiring Sentiment Remains Cautious
• Upskilling in the Age of AI & Green Jobs
• Beyond Salary: Unique Employee Benefits in Singapore That Attract and Retain Talent

 

⭐ References

• Reeracoen Salary Guide 2025
• Singapore Labour Market Reports
• Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025
• Reeracoen Hiring Manager Survey 2025–2026
• MAS Regulatory Updates

 

 

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