Legal Counsel – Compliance & AML

Legal Counsel – Compliance & AML at MUFG Bank (Osaka Branch)

MUFG Bank, Ltd. is seeking a legal counsel to join its Compliance Division at the Osaka branch office. This role focuses on anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), and economic sanctions compliance for MUFG's Kansai regional operations. MUFG's Osaka branch serves as a key hub for the bank's West Japan operations.

About the Role

You will be responsible for AML/CTF compliance programme implementation and oversight at the regional level, working under the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds (犯罪収益移転防止法), the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (外国為替及び外国貿易法 / FEFTA), and FSA (金融庁) guidelines on money laundering and terrorist financing risk management. You will also handle sanctions screening issues and suspicious transaction reporting.

Based in MUFG's Osaka branch office, you will serve as the primary compliance legal contact for the Kansai region, supporting branch operations and coordinating with the Tokyo head office Compliance Division. The role also involves advising on general banking compliance matters under the Banking Act (銀行法).

Focus Areas

• AML/CTF programme management under the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds (犯罪収益移転防止法)
• Sanctions screening and FEFTA (外国為替及び外国貿易法) compliance
• Suspicious transaction reporting and investigation
• Customer due diligence (CDD) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance
• FSA inspection preparedness and regulatory examination support

• Oversee AML/CTF compliance programme implementation for the Kansai region
• Review and enhance CDD/KYC processes for branch operations
• Investigate and report suspicious transactions to the authorities
• Manage sanctions screening programmes and escalation procedures
• Support FSA examinations and internal audit processes
• Deliver AML/CTF compliance training to branch staff
• Coordinate with Tokyo head office Compliance Division on policy updates

• Registered bengoshi (弁護士) with the JFBA, or compliance professional with legal background
• 4-7 years of experience in AML/CTF compliance, financial regulation, or banking law
• Knowledge of the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds (犯罪収益移転防止法)
• Understanding of FEFTA sanctions provisions and FSA AML/CTF guidelines
• ACAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) certification preferred
• Working-level English for international compliance coordination
• Experience in the banking or financial services sector required