Head of Settlements

About the role

Reporting directly to senior management, this position owns the entire post-trade lifecycle. The incoming leader will oversee daily operational execution, mitigate settlement risk, implement automation initiatives, and ensure robust governance across a complex asset mix. The ideal candidate blends deep clearinghouse mechanics with the adaptability needed to support newly introduced asset classes like virtual assets.

Key responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day workflow execution across the settlement unit, audit current operating procedures to minimize friction points, and maintain rigorous adherence to internal SOPs.
• Oversee end-to-end clearing and settlement routines—comprising trade matching, CCASS/DCASS transactions, Euroclear processing, physical scrip handling, corporate action events, public offerings, and settlement instructions—across equities, futures, options, debt instruments, and digital assets.
• Champion system enhancement initiatives, lead user acceptance testing (UAT), and onboard new product streams to continuously drive operational efficiency.
• Act as the primary operational bridge between front-office desks, risk management, compliance, external custodians, and market clearing counterparties to resolve exception items.
• Ensure operational workflows strictly adhere to statutory requirements, exchange rules, and internal risk frameworks.

About you

• Degree qualification in Finance, Accountancy, Economics, or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience within brokerage back-offices or investment bank operations, with a minimum of 5 years managing teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of front-to-back settlement workflows for equities, options, futures, and fixed income instruments.
• Practical familiarity with virtual asset custody/settlement, OTC products, or structured notes.
• Sound grasp of local exchange clearing procedures and relevant securities regulations.
• Strong leadership capacity, analytical problem-solving skills, and the resilience to perform in high-volume, time-sensitive environments.
• Professional fluency in English and Chinese (both written and spoken).