SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.

In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $205,000.00 and $275,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.

Role Description

Overview

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is seeking a full-time, U.S. Government Affairs Public Policy professional located in Washington, D.C. The position will report to the Head of Government Affairs Public Policy and will be a liaison to key legislative and elected officials. The position will pursue and maintain relationships with relevant government audiences to further SMBC’s priorities.

SMBC is the flagship bank of SMBC Group, a diversified global financial group, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with a century-long operating history in the U.S. SMBC Group engages in a wide range of activities in the U.S., including commercial and retail banking, structured finance, leasing, securities, and derivatives.

The Americas Division of SMBC Group has grown rapidly in size and complexity, having almost tripled its U.S. asset base to around USD 200 bn in recent years, with a corresponding increase in headcount and profitability.

SMBC Group aims to increase its U.S. growth trajectory in a prudent, sustainable manner, with a focus on building strong, positive relationships with select U.S. federal and state financial regulators, governmental agencies, legislative bodies, and member associations.

Role Objectives

Execute Engagement Strategy

Help execute the U.S. Government and Regulatory Affairs function’s mandate along with identified SMBC Group’s U.S. institutional advocacy needs, priorities, and resource requirements.

Advocate for Priority Issues

Develop networks and relationships with key staff of federal and select state government and elected officials whose policies and rulemaking have critical impact on SMBC Group.

Raise SMBC Group’s profile and stature with governmental bodies, industry groups, and member associations through thought leadership and proactive engagement.

Track Legislation

Track U.S. legislative matters and collaborate with the Regulatory Policy team and Legal to provide information to SMBC senior executives.

Client Support

Provide views to clients regarding government activity and outlook.

Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience in government relations, focusing on federal financial regulatory environments.

Excellent judgment and knowledge of relevant legislative, policy, and rule-making processes.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to interact effectively with external counterparties and internal stakeholders.

Collaborative, diplomatic, open-minded approach to solving problems and building relationships with diverse constituents.

Demonstrated interpersonal skills and tact.

Experience working with internationally headquartered institutions preferred.

Additional Requirements

DI Commitment

Responsible for fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, holding leaders accountable for creating an inclusive environment through awareness and practice of equity in recruiting, developing, and promoting diverse talent.

SMBC’s employees participate in a Hybrid workforce model that provides employees with an opportunity to work from home, as well as, from an SMBC office. SMBC requires that employees live within a reasonable commuting distance of their office location. Prospective candidates will learn more about their specific hybrid work schedule during their interview process. Hybrid work may not be permitted for certain roles, including, for example, certain FINRA-registered roles for which in-office attendance for the entire workweek is required.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. SMBC provides reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities consistent with applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let us know at [email protected].