Head of Custody Operations

A leading asset management firm based in Muscat is seeking a highly experienced Head of Custody Operations to lead and transform its custody function. This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for overseeing custody operations, ensuring best-in-class service delivery, robust risk management, and regulatory compliance across global markets.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage the custody operations function, including settlement, corporate actions, income processing, and reconciliations
• Define and execute operational strategy aligned with business objectives
• Ensure seamless daily processing of securities transactions across international markets

Securities Settlement & Asset Servicing

• Oversee end-to-end trade settlement across asset classes (equities, fixed income, derivatives)
• Manage corporate actions lifecycle (dividends, rights issues, mergers, stock splits, etc.)
• Ensure accurate income processing and entitlement distribution

Risk Management & Controls

• Establish and maintain strong operational controls to mitigate risk
• Oversee reconciliations across cash, securities, and client accounts
• Lead incident management and continuous risk improvement initiatives

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with local and international regulatory frameworks
• Maintain adherence to standards such as SWIFT messaging and client asset protection rules
• Support internal and external audits

Client Service & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with institutional clients (asset managers, pension funds, sovereign entities)
• Ensure high-quality service delivery and timely issue resolution
• Partner with client-facing teams to enhance overall client experience

Technology & Process Improvement

• Drive automation and digital transformation initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs
• Collaborate with IT on custody platforms and system enhancements

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of custody professionals
• Set clear KPIs and performance standards
• Foster a culture of accountability and operational excellence

Candidate Profile

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Banking, Business Administration, or related field
• Advanced qualifications (CFA, FRM, or similar) preferred

Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in custody, securities services, or investment operations
• At least 5–7 years in a leadership role
• Strong expertise in settlement, corporate actions, and asset servicing

Key Skills

• Custody operations leadership
• Securities settlement and clearing
• Corporate actions and asset servicing
• Operational risk and controls
• Regulatory compliance
• Process improvement and automation
• Stakeholder and client relationship management

Why Apply?

This is a high-impact leadership role offering the opportunity to shape and modernize a critical function within a growing asset management business in the region. You will play a key role in driving operational excellence and supporting the firm’s long-term growth strategy.