Specialist, Asset Services - Corporate Actions

Role Overview

This position entails comprehensive oversight and daily management of Corporate Actions processes spanning domestic, regional, and international markets. The incumbent will oversee both mandatory and voluntary corporate action events across diverse asset classes such as equities, mutual funds, fixed income, hedge funds, structured funds, and ETFs, ensuring service delivery aligns with international benchmarks.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and execute corporate actions from receipt of announcements through data validation, client notification, and reconciliation of positions with sub-custodians and markets.
• Manage responses for voluntary corporate actions, ensuring timely submission to relevant sub-custodians, markets, agents, or banks before deadlines.
• Engage effectively with multiple stakeholders including clients, counterparties, regulators, markets, brokers, and paying agents across local and global markets.
• Maintain adherence to quality control standards and oversee initial training of new team members.
• Participate actively in operating modules involving securities lending and borrowing transactions with high value and complexity to minimize financial, reputational, and operational risks.
• Support a broad spectrum of services such as position management, settlement, reporting, reconciliation, proxy services, and taxation while preparing for expansion into securities lending, client short selling, and claim management.
• Contribute to projects including system upgrades, process improvements, new client onboarding, and compliance with market regulations.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external entities to optimize processes, minimize manual tasks, and enhance client delivery excellence.
• Prepare accurate reports and statements following department policies and quality guidelines.
• Ensure accurate and prompt processing of client instructions and transactions including FX, cash, securities, tax reclaims, and corporate actions.

Policies and Compliance

• Obey all internal policies, procedures, and operational protocols to guarantee controlled and consistent workflow.
• Uphold organizational ethics and values, promoting a culture rooted in integrity.

Continuous Improvement and Risk Management

• Identify and assist in implementing areas for improvement aligned with global standards, targeting productivity gains and cost efficiency.
• Monitor key performance and risk indicators, validating compliance with audit and regulatory requirements.
• Manage incident reporting and escalate discrepancies to lead management appropriately.

Accountabilities

• Manage end-to-end corporate actions with attentiveness to regulatory compliance and client satisfaction.
• Validate settlement transactions, approve vouchers, and ensure timely accounting for cash and FX settlements.
• Review and confirm client positions and cash holdings daily, escalating any inconsistencies.
• Validate SWIFT messages and maintain rigorous reconciliation to prevent errors.
• Support risk mitigation by adhering strictly to controls and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree or equivalent with a minimum of five years of experience in securities services or back-office operations like corporate actions or securities settlement.
• Strong understanding of securities accounting and operational activities.
• Ability to multitask effectively, stay organized under pressure, and collaborate well within a team environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience in securities client services, corporate actions, settlements, data maintenance, or custody account management is advantageous.