Head - Operations - Risk & Clearing Systems

Description:

Job Title: Head of Operations Risk & Clearing Systems

Location: United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Department: Operations

Reporting To: CEO / Director

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations with strong expertise in Risk Management, Clearing & Settlement, Custody Operations, and Pay-In/Pay-Out processes specifically related to NSE and BSE markets. The role will be based in the UAE office,overseeing all operational, risk, clearing, and custody-related functions while ensuring smooth coordination with India market operations and global stakeholders. The ideal candidate must also have a sound understanding of FPI regulations and operational workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

- Oversee daily operations for clearing, settlement, custody, and risk functions.

- Manage Pay-In/Pay-Out operations, fund transfers, reconciliations, and operational controls.

- Ensure seamless functioning of back-office and operational systems.

- Oversee custodian-related processes and ensure smooth coordination with local and international custodians.

Risk Management & Compliance

- Monitor market and client-level risks using NSE/BSE frameworks.

- Manage margin requirements, exposure limits, and risk parameters.

- Ensure compliance with SEBI, NSE, BSE, FPI regulations, and applicable UAE regulatory guidelines (DFSA/ESCA, where relevant).

- Implement robust operational SOPs, risk controls, and compliance protocols.

Clearing, Settlement & Custody Coordination

- Oversee settlement cycles, trade processing, and reconciliation.

- Coordinate with clearing corporations, custodians, banks, depositories, and internal teams.

- Manage FPI-related operational requirements and ensure documentation, reporting, and compliance.

- Resolve trade breaks, discrepancies, and corporate action-related queries efficiently.

Team & Stakeholder Management

- Lead and mentor the UAE operations team.

- Coordinate closely with India-based operations, risk, dealing, and technology teams.

- Liaise with exchanges, clearing corporations, custodians, banks, regulators, and other operational partners.

Process Improvement

- Identify automation opportunities and process efficiencies.

- Strengthen MIS reporting, dashboards, and risk visibility for senior management.

- Enhance workflow efficiency and implement best practices across operations.

Required Skills & Experience

- 8 to 15 years of experience in Capital Markets Operations.

- Strong hands-on experience in NSE/BSE clearing, settlement, custody operations, and risk management.

- Working knowledge of FPI regulations and custodian coordination is essential.

- Experience in pay-in/pay-out operations and operational controls.

- Knowledge of operational systems, risk monitoring tools, and settlement platforms.

- Experience managing cross-border operations or multi-location teams (preferred).

- Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

- Bachelors or Masters degree in Finance, Business, or a related field.

- Certifications like NISM, FRM, or capital market-related qualifications preferred.

- Experience working in or with UAE financial markets is an added advantage.