Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Securities Settlements Operations professional to manage daily settlement activities, oversee operational processes, and drive automation and process-improvement initiatives across securities transactions. The role will involve managing settlement operations, resolving complex issues, reducing settlement fails, strengthening controls, and supporting technology and digital transformation initiatives.

The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of securities settlement processes, global markets, settlement infrastructure, STP, regulatory requirements, risk and controls, and experience working with technology teams, custodians, CSDs, and external vendors.

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage and oversee day-to-day securities settlement operations across relevant markets and financial instruments.

- Ensure timely and accurate processing of securities transactions through the complete settlement lifecycle.

- Monitor settlement activities, investigate exceptions, and drive resolution of complex settlement issues and fails.

- Identify opportunities to improve settlement efficiency, reduce operational risks, and minimize settlement costs.

- Lead and implement process automation and digital transformation initiatives across settlement operations.

- Work with Technology and Operations teams to identify automation opportunities and implement scalable solutions.

- Support adoption of emerging technologies, including AI and digital tools, to improve operational efficiency and control.

- Establish and monitor operational metrics related to settlement volumes, fails, turnaround times, STP rates, exceptions, and productivity.

- Ensure adherence to relevant regulatory requirements, market practices, operational controls, and industry standards.

- Identify operational risks, control gaps, and process weaknesses and implement appropriate mitigation measures.

- Manage and strengthen risk and control frameworks within securities settlement operations.

- Coordinate with internal Operations, Technology, Product, Risk, Compliance, and other stakeholders to resolve operational and technology issues.

- Manage relationships with custodians, Central Securities Depositories (CSDs), settlement platforms, technology partners, and external vendors.

- Review and improve settlement workflows, operating procedures, controls, and documentation.

- Support implementation of new settlement systems, platforms, market changes, and regulatory initiatives.

- Drive Straight Through Processing (STP) improvements and reduce manual intervention across settlement processes.

- Prepare operational dashboards, management reports, issue trackers, and continuous-improvement updates.

- Lead or support knowledge-sharing, process standardization, and capability-building initiatives within the operations team.

- Manage and mentor team members and support a high-performing operational environment.

Required Skills & Experience:

- 5 - 10 years of experience in Securities Operations, Securities Settlements, Post-Trade Operations, or a closely related financial-services function.

- Strong understanding of securities settlement processes and post-trade lifecycle.

- Good knowledge of global financial markets and securities/financial instruments.

- Strong understanding of settlement infrastructure, market practices, and operational dependencies.

- Hands-on knowledge of STP (Straight Through Processing) and settlement exception management.

- Experience working with settlement systems, platforms, custodians, and CSDs.

- Knowledge of operational risk, controls, regulatory requirements, and industry standards relevant to securities settlements.

- Experience identifying and implementing process improvements, automation, and operational efficiencies.

- Exposure to settlement automation tools and technology-enabled operations.

- Experience working with Technology, Operations, Risk, Compliance, and external vendors.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in investigating settlement breaks and operational issues.

- Experience monitoring operational KPIs and preparing management reporting.

- Strong stakeholder management, communication, and team-management skills.

- Ability to work in a high-volume, time-sensitive operational environment and manage critical settlement issues effectively.