Lead Associate - Asset Transfers

The Vacancy

The Asset Servicing Lead Associate will assist the Senior Manager Asset Servicing and wider Asset Servicing team in the administration and processing of client requests to transfer assets or money to or from the firm, this is to be done whilst adhering to regulatory & product specific requirements, control the administrative duties that form these areas, to ensure the service meets regulatory requirements inclusive of KYC, AML, CASS rules

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with clients to understand their transfer needs, providing solutions and ensuring their expectations are met or exceeded. Keep clients informed with regular updates throughout the asset transfer process, promptly addressing any queries or concerns they may have
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the Transfers team, ensuring a smooth transfer of assets in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner
• Ensure stock withdrawal and deposits from to/from certificates are correctly managed and in line with CASS rules
• Monitor and ensure all asset transfers adhere to internal and external policies, Service Level Agreements, regulatory requirements and best practices
• Ensure the production of any forms required relating to the transfer of assets or cash and the tracking of all open transfer instructions
• Utilise management information to track, analyse and report on transfer activities, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management, providing insightful analysis and recommendations for enhancing the asset transfer process
• Develop, maintain and enforce procedures to ensure a standardised approach to all processes and controls, including contingency plans to manage discrepancies or issues that may arise during the transfer process. Conduct post-issue analysis to identify and address the root cause
• Provide leadership, training, and guidance to the team, promoting a culture of continuous learning, improvement, and client-centricity. Foster a collaborative environment, encouraging the sharing of best practices and knowledge among team members
• Evaluate and enhance existing asset transfer processes, controls and systems to ensure optimal efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction. Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to streamline asset transfer processes and improve the overall client experience
• Work in conjunction with the Compliance, Risk and Audit functions to ensure all asset transfer activities are conducted within the regulatory framework. Proactively identify, assess and mitigate risks associated with asset transfers, taking prompt corrective actions when necessary
• Oversee and provide direction to the team, ensuring all core processes are completed in a timely manner, in line with legal, regulatory and Company requirements
• Provide clear apportionment for departmental responsibilities and core processes and monitor the successful achievement of these
• Provide tone from the middle in line with the expectations of the Board, encouraging an inclusive culture and modelling ethical leadership, WINNER Values and expectant behaviours as stated in Our Way
• Conduct and lead team meetings with a focus on fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and setting actionable goals, ensuring that each team member's voice is heard, and contributions are valued
• Enhance the performance of the department through ongoing coaching and feedback in areas of personal effectiveness, ensuring all skill-gaps for direct reports are acted upon
• Coach others to ensure all employees are supported and committed to embracing diversity & inclusion, organisational and personal objectives
• Represent the Company and communicate effectively with stakeholders, clients, employees
• Adhere to the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Company's core manuals inclusive but not limited to the Front Office Procedures Manual, Our Way our code of conduct, Compliance Manual, Staff Handbook, and IT Security Policy
• Comply with the regulations and guidelines required by the relevant third-party systems the team uses
• Ensure the monitoring of, and the adherence to the Company's systems and controls as they apply to their department
• Help to evolve and maintain effective systems and controls and management information are in place as appropriate for the Settlements department

Skills & Experience

• Experience and knowledge of transfers both domestic and foreign, the settlement cycle and how this is impacted by corporate events, as well as the ecosystem Winterflood operates within
• Ability to foster a strong positive culture (inclusive of the achievement of D&I objectives) aligned to the overall Company culture within a division or significant department.
• Ability to maintain a strong risk management and control framework within an asset transfers environment, inclusive of the ability to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor risks and the offsetting controls
• Working knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and requirements that apply to the business, including the CASS rules when managing client's money or assets
• Ability to focus and commit to delivering against deadlines
• Exposure to multi asset class transfers
• Experience of the CREST GUI system
• Experience of cross border and international transfers
• An understanding of voluntary & mandatory corporate action events would be beneficial
• Track record of maintaining high performance standards; clear focus and commitment to driving great customer outcomes, profitability, and shareholder value
• Strong Excel knowledge
• Effective and proficient communication and written skills

Benefits

Salary - competitive

• Discretionary annual bonus & annual pay review
• Work Abroad Policy for up to 15 days per year
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional well-being day
• Option to purchase an additional 5 days holiday per year
• Flexible working options available, including hybrid working
• Pension scheme up to 10% employer contribution
• Sharesave scheme
• Income Protection & Life insurance (4 x salary core level of cover)
• Private health care via BUPA
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Variety of travel to work schemes

Company benefits are provided on completion of either six months service, or a successful probation period whichever is sooner.

Entitlement outlined above is in respect of full-time entitlement, and will be provided to part-time workers on a prorate basis in accordance with the relevant scheme rules.

All benefits are subject to rules of the scheme and associated provider. The Company in its sole and absolute discretion reserves the right to discontinue, vary or amend any of the aforementioned benefits.

At Close Brothers we look to recruit individuals from all different backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don't tick every box. We celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity and are open to discuss flexible work options to help you balance your work and home life.

We appreciate that from time to time, recruitment agencies will have speculative CVs that they may wish to submit to our Talent Acquisition team in relation to a specific role.

To avoid any ambiguity around fees, please note that speculative CVs received by Close Brothers, that have not been authorised in advance, by us, will be ineligible for an agency fee. Thank you.