Distribution Governance Specialist (NAM Portugal)

Job ID: 6205

Role purpose 

Support effective governance of distribution risks across NAM by helping ensure that products are marketed, distributed and made available to investors in a controlled, consistent and commercially practical manner. The role acts as a key partner to business and control functions, providing guidance on distribution-related requirements and supporting the implementation of governance frameworks across markets and distribution channels. 

About this opportunity

We are strengthening AML and Distribution Governance within Nordea Asset Management, NAM, and are looking for an experienced distribution governance professional to join the team in Portugal.

You will work close to the business and help turn regulatory and legal requirements into clear, workable guidance. The role covers two connected areas: how NAM products are marketed across markets and channels, and how distributors and their networks are governed. You will also connect distribution governance with the product development agenda, so that the distribution implications of new or higher-risk products are considered early.

As a Distribution Governance Specialist, you contribute to the effective governance of distribution activities by providing guidance on distribution-related matters, supporting the implementation of governance frameworks and helping ensure regulatory requirements are applied consistently across markets and distribution channels.

You will help the AML and Distribution Controls team handle recurring matters consistently and bring forward issues that require a broader interpretation or decision. You will work with the relevant lead or manager on material interpretations and strategic changes.

About the team

AML and Distribution Governance is a first-line function covering financial crime, distribution and marketing risks. The unit combines one controls team with dedicated expertise in frameworks, regulatory matters, marketing and distribution governance, technology, data and reporting. You will work closely with senior experts on Project Management, Marketing Governnace, Financial Crime and Distribution Governance. Your role brings a focused distribution perspective and practical support to Sales and Controls teams. 

Your main responsibilities

Marketing and placement of NAM products:

• Provide practical advice on where, to whom and through which channels NAM products may be marketed or placed.
• Support Sales on cross-border marketing, investor approaches, business travel and other distribution activities.
• Maintain clear country and activity guidance using applicable requirements, legal advice and approved external regulatory information.
• Work with the Marketing Governance Lead where a matter concerns marketing communications, approval standards or a material interpretation.
• Support satellite-product registrations by clarifying requirements, documentation, responsibilities, dependencies and escalation points.
• Contribute to product development and change processes by identifying distribution risks, target-market considerations and market-access constraints at an early stage.
• Give particular attention to new, complex or higher-risk products and help define proportionate distribution guidance, conditions or escalation needs.

Distributors and distribution networks:

• Support the governance of distributors and their networks, including the practical application of due diligence, monitoring and escalation requirements.
• Advise on distribution arrangements and non-standard cases by setting out the facts, relevant risks and workable options.
• Help ensure that distributors, sub-distributors and other relevant parties are handled consistently under the applicable framework.
• Provide guidance to AML and Distribution Controls and help turn recurring questions into clear procedures, tools and training.
• Use cases, control outcomes and business feedback to identify gaps and suggest proportionate improvements.
• Look across processes and teams to identify root causes, avoid repeated manual work and improve the way distribution governance is delivered.
• Explore practical uses of data, technology and AI where they can improve the quality, consistency or efficiency of guidance and controls.

Framework and cooperation:

• Support the maintenance of the Distribution Governance framework, procedures, guidelines, templates and training materials.
• Translate regulatory requirements and legal advice into simple business guidance without replacing Legal or Compliance interpretations.
• Work with Sales, Product, Legal, Compliance, Marketing Governance, Operations, Technology and control teams across NAM.
• Document advice and conclusions clearly, follow matters through and escalate material or precedent-setting issues to the relevant lead or manager.

Who you are

You are curious, practical and comfortable working with both commercial and control teams. You think critically, look beyond the immediate question and consider the regulatory, product, commercial and operational picture before reaching a view. You are willing to challenge established ways of working and find simpler, more effective solutions. You use data, technology and AI where they solve a real problem, improve quality or make work more efficient. You explain your thinking clearly, know when to escalate and follow matters through to a clear conclusion.

Your experience and capabilities:

• Relevant experience in asset management, fund distribution, distribution compliance, regulatory advisory, consulting or governance.
• Practical knowledge of European cross-border fund distribution and the risks linked to marketing products and using distribution networks.
• Understanding of how product features, target markets and distribution channels can affect the distribution risk of an asset-management product.
• A record of questioning established approaches and developing practical improvements to processes, guidance or controls.
• Experience preparing guidance, procedures, training, country information or other governance material.
• Ability to analyse a case, separate legal, regulatory, operational and commercial points, and recommend a practical next step.
• Strong written and spoken English, with clear communication and sound judgement.
• A reliable and collaborative working style, with accurate documentation and appropriate escalation.

What we offer

• A specialist role at the centre of NAM’s international distribution activities.
• The opportunity to help the business grow safely through clear guidance and sound distributor governance.
• Close cooperation with experienced colleagues across Sales, Product, Legal, Compliance, Operations, Technology and governance.
• An international working environment, based in Portugal and connected to teams across NAM.

If this sounds like you, get in touch!

Next steps

Submit your application no later than 30/09/2026. Please note the position might be filled before the application deadline.

At Nordea, we know that an inclusive workplace is a sustainable workplace. We deeply believe that our diverse backgrounds, experiences, characteristics and traits make us better at serving customers and communities. So please come as you are.

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