Head of Custody at Rand Merchant Bank

About the job
Purpose

• The purpose of this role is to manage and control the Custody Services business unit within the GSS Structure, including client, industry, operational, service and product responsibility. The role is responsible for the financial and operational performance of the business, setting strategic direction and maintaining competitive advantage.
• This role would significantly contribute towards the Global Securities Solutions model within the Markets division of RMB which offers Corporate and Institutions componentised or a portfolio of financial service-based capabilities in support of their full operational life cycle.

Responsibilities:

Business strategy formulation and execution

•  Establish a strategic business plan and take relevant responsibility for setting the Custody Services strategy.
•  Direct and manage strategic plans, resources, policies, programs and schedules for business, and continually align these objectives with those of business.
•  Ensure the development of new Custody Services products and/or services and/or enhancements to existing products and or services.
•  Develop and gain agreement from stakeholders to the business strategy ensuring that realistic requirements are met, and that the most cost effective and operationally viable solutions are developed.
•  Provide progress reports at various levels.

Risk and compliance management

•  Ensure the team is kept abreast of any changes to regulations and deadlines.
•  Ensure audit compliance in terms of finances.
•  Liaise closely with RMB Legal to complete necessary documentation for client on-boarding; ensure understanding of the subtleties and detail of legal documentation.
•  Manage and monitor compliance with regulations.
•  Provide training and guidance to team members on current regulatory issues and legal changes.

Financial management

•  Increase top line organically and with new business.
•  Manage general costs, revenue and SLA line by negotiating with relevant stakeholders.
•  Produce a financial report containing information on past and future financial information for all reporting areas.
•  Compile, manage and control the financial budget and report any variances to Finance Department.
•  Ensure the establishment and maintenance of pricing, governance and compliance frameworks.
•  Give due consideration to market trends, including assessments regarding settlement risks, credit and capital utilization.
•  Monitor general ledger accounts in order to ensure that all expenditure is accounted for on a monthly basis.
•  Monitor general ledger accounts and efficiencies implemented against value and benefit during and after implementation.
•  Create annual budget for the area, present at various forums and manage on a monthly basis.

Team leadership and management

•  Take full responsibility for performance management of all direct reports, managing their performance in relation to quality standards and agreed benchmarks and objectives, focusing on all aspects of sound people management.
•  Ensure appropriate levels of management and accountability.
•  Motivate, delegate and empower appropriately, enabling direct reports to take responsibility and display appropriate creativity and initiative.
•  Work with the team to actively grow their skills and lead them in operational excellence.
•  Define performance contracts for staff members.
•  Monitor staff performance against agreed service levels and agreed performance contracts.

Stakeholder relationship management

•  Initiate strategic dialogue to build professional working relationships with all stakeholders, displaying excellent abilities to listen, advise, influence, negotiate and present at all levels.
•  Integrate opinions and information provided by various sources to make strategic decisions.
•  Find opportunities to leverage relationships and promote knowledge sharing, ideas and insights.
•  Represent the organisation on relevant bodies.
•  Build and maintain relationships with key industry players both to position the brand favourably and provide direction to industry.

Qualifications and Experience:

•  Degree in Commerce, Finance, Mathematics, Engineering or related field

Experience

•  8-10 years financial services working experience at a managerial level essential
•  3-5 years’ experience in managing an operational area, whether directly or through an Operations Manager
•  5 years custody experience mandatory

Technical Pre-requisite

•  Proven ability to understand client needs and to convert opportunities into revenue
•  Existing client network
•  Deep rules and regulatory understanding
•  Deep financial market infrastructure understanding
•  Experience across either Custody
•  Able to lead and manage a diverse team
•  Ability to understand and interrogate finances

Competencies:

Leadership Capabilities

•  Participative Leadership
•  Planning & Organizing
•  Monitoring & Measuring

Cognitive Capabilities

•  Analysis & Attention to detail
•  Problem Solving
•  Critical thinking
•  Creativity & Innovation

Interpersonal Capabilities

•  Assertive and Courageous
•  Drive & Action Oriented
•  Flexibility
•  Excellence & Quality Orientation