Head of Internal Audit - Director

As the Head of Internal Audit, you will lead the Group’s independent Internal Audit function, providing objective assurance and strategic insight on the effectiveness of Swissquote’s governance, risk management and internal control framework. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the role oversees the Internal Audit function across the Swissquote Group, defining a risk-based audit strategy and ensuring appropriate coverage of financial, regulatory, operational, technology and emerging risks. As the Bank transitions from Category 4 to Category 3 under FINMA's banking categorization, Swissquote will internalize the Internal Audit function currently performed by an external provider. The objective is to broaden the risk assessment expertise, audit planning and internal audit governance in-house, while retaining the flexibility and specialist expertise of external providers through a co-sourced internal audit model. The Head of Internal Audit will lead the internalization process and build the function from the ground up, including its governance, charter, methodology, team, tools and audit universe. The role will ensure a smooth transition from the outgoing external partner and full compliance with FINMA requirements applicable to a Category 3 institution. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, the Head of Internal Audit will maintain the highest standards of independence, professional scepticism and integrity while contributing to the continuous strengthening of Swissquote’s governance and control environment. This position is a highly visible, build-and-lead mandate, with direct exposure to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee. Key Responsibilities:   Internal Audit Strategy & Governance   Define and maintain the Internal Audit strategy, methodology and multi-year audit plan, aligned with Swissquote's business model, risk profile and regulatory requirements.  Establish, maintain and periodically review the Internal Audit Charter and ensure Board approval and alignment with regulatory and professional standards. Develop a risk-based audit universe and annual audit plan, ensuring appropriate coverage of material financial, operational, technological and regulatory risks.  Ensure that Internal Audit operates in accordance with applicable FINMA requirements and recognised professional standards.  Regularly assess the effectiveness and adequacy of the Internal Audit framework and continuously improve its methodology, tools and processes. Maintain an appropriate level of independence from the activities and functions being audited.  Establish safeguards ensuring objectivity and independence of the Internal Audit function and address any actual, potential or perceived impairments. Lead and personally perform selected audits in areas where the Head of Internal Audit’s expertise is most relevant or where the use of external resources is not justified by risk, complexity, or cost. Maintain overall accountability for the quality, supervision and reliance placed on work performed by co-sourcing partners and external specialists. Across the years, progressively build and develop the Internal Audit team in line with the evolution of the function and the organisation’s risk profile, with strong emphasis on internal development, cross-functional exposure and the development of future audit talent. Establish a clear vision for a lean and digitally enabled Internal Audit function, including the development of data analytics, IT audit capabilities, automated monitoring and management dashboards. Design, implement and maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) covering internal and external assessments, performance measurement and continuous improvement of the Internal Audit function and ensure the QAIP is assessed in accordance with Global Internal Audit Standards. Develop and manage the Internal Audit budget and resource plan, ensuring sufficient capabilities and capacity to fulfil the approved audit plan. Establish and report performance metrics demonstrating the effectiveness, efficiency and value contribution of Internal Audit. Risk & Control Assurance   Provide independent assurance to the Board and Executive Management on the effectiveness of Swissquote's governance, risk management and internal control framework, through a risk-based and forward-looking audit approach.  Lead the assessment of risks across the organisation and ensure that the Internal Audit plan evolves in line with Swissquote's risk profile and business strategy.  Challenge management constructively on significant control weaknesses, risk exposures and remediation plans, ensuring that material findings are appropriately addressed and escalated when necessary.  Board and Audit & Risk Committee   Act as the primary Internal Audit advisor to the Board of Directors, providing an independent view on the overall effectiveness of Swissquote's governance, risk man