VP- UAE Settlement – SSO Operation

As Team Lead – Global Custody Operations, you will play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing the end-to-end custody operations across the UAE and Egypt (HUP). This includes oversight of local, regional (GCC), and international settlement activities across diverse asset classes such as equities, fixed income, ETFs, structured and mutual funds.

You will lead global operational process design and delivery, oversee daily settlements, ensure compliance with market and regulatory requirements, and manage client onboarding and servicing for institutional and global custodian clients. The role also includes responsibility for team leadership, performance management, and process re-engineering to support growth and scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee UAE-based Global Custody operations and Egypt HUP delivery team, ensuring seamless processing of settlement activities across domestic, GCC, and international markets.
• Design, build, and implement robust custody operational processes in compliance with regulatory frameworks and international standards.
• Manage multi-asset settlement across equity, mutual funds, fixed income, hedge funds, structured products, and ETFs.

• Monitor and improve process accuracy, timelines, and controls to mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risk.
• Ensure full adherence to compliance, audit, and regulatory requirements.
• Establish clear escalation protocols, root cause analysis for exceptions, and continuous improvement plans.

• Own custody onboarding for institutional and global custodian clients, ensuring high-quality delivery across regions and systems.
• Address all client queries and support due diligence, onboarding, and market entry across GCC and international markets.

• Lead, train, and mentor UAE and Egypt-based teams; oversee appraisals, skills development, and succession planning.
• Collaborate with internal teams (FAB MISR, KSA FAB Capital, GCC direct) and external entities (sub-custodians, depositories, brokers).
• Support SLA/SLD management and vendor relationship governance for sub-custodians and service partners.

• Drive system upgrades, BRD reviews, process reengineering, and market/regulatory implementations.
• Support rollout of multitenant custody platforms and train teams on system enhancements and process transitions.

• Oversee all reporting (regulatory, client, MIS) and ensure timely and accurate reconciliation sign-offs.
• Maintain audit readiness through documentation, control checks, and KPI/KRI reviews.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership of cross-border custody operations
• End-to-end understanding of global securities operations and regulatory landscapes
• Strong execution skills and the ability to manage complex, high-value transactions
• Fluency in client servicing, settlement, static data, billing, FX, and cash management
• High attention to detail and operational risk awareness
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills
• Proficiency in managing multicultural teams and working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (mandatory); professional certifications or post-graduate qualifications in finance or operations are a plus.

• Minimum 12 years of experience in securities services, custody operations, or capital markets.
• Proven expertise in multi-region custody settlement, operations transformation, and client service delivery.
• Experience working across UAE, GCC, and international financial markets preferred.

• Fluency in English and Arabic is essential.