Manager, Settlement

• To ensure all SOPs are reviewed and kept current
• To monitor KRI are monitored and within limits
• Monitor HKD movements through RTGS

Job Summary / Introduction

• To manage BAU processing flow of the Treasury Back Office functions involving, verification of deals, counter party limits and position monitoring and cash flow reporting.
• To manage BAU processing flow of the Loan Administration functions, including T-Bills, Bonds Certificate of Deposit (CD) issuance and related Securities operations.
• To be responsible for HKICL-related requirements and conduct annual postings/testing to ensure compliance with clearing and settlement requirements.
• To manage BAU processing flow of the customer remittance and ensure Anti-money Laundering and Know Your Customer procedures are strictly followed and to report any exception / suspicious transactions as per the established escalation / reporting process of Hong Kong Branch.
• To manage customer account opening process (after due diligence by KYC On-boarding team).
• To provide support to local Global Market and Relationship Manager on all settlement / loans administration and account opening related issues.
• To liaise and provide supervision support to off-shore teams by reviewing and approving daily transactions.
• To ensure all SOPs are reviewed and kept current.
• To monitor KRI are monitored and within limits.
• To act as a Subject Matter Expert in the Settlement area.
• To assist in delivering business initiatives and any other local/regional/global project.

Key Responsibilities

• Check the correctness of independent cash flow register (including customer maturities) for all active trading currencies (screening for any discrepancies) and to check the Cash Flow Statements at regular intervals during the day ensuring proofing of figures all the time. Monitor HKD movements through RTGS.
• Verify the final balance as per the GL system of the bank for accounts that are processed by Settlement.
• Perform check on RTGS/CHATS/SWIFT payment orders as well as other payment arrangements.
• Handle CMU instructions for Certificate of Deposit Monitor FX position intra-day and overnight and verify them with the report generated by the system and reconcile the position and hold this reconciliation on day to day basis. Intra position will be closely monitored within the limits set by RMD HO.
• Manage the BAU processing flow on Loan Administration functions.
• Ensure customer remittance transactions are processed promptly and correctly.
• Ensure all settlement happen before market cut-off time.
• Ensure all breaks are resolved in a timely manner.
• Ensure all the AML procedures are adhered and report/escalate any suspicious transactions to the local Compliance immediately.
• Check & monitor customer remittance exception reports.
• Perform all relevant EOD controls.
• Provide adequate and effective local settlement support to the branch.
• Lead and participate in delivering projects (global/regional/local) that impact Settlement area.
• Understand and contribute towards organizational objectives and goals to meet customer expectations. Maintain a healthy relationship with stakeholders / customers in order to streamline processes and BAU.
• Timely review and update the local Settlement procedures in accordance with the Head Office procedures.
• Compile various key Management Information/statistics for Settlement activities.
• Arrange for customer account opening in Intellect system.
• Arrange for update of customer static data update.
• Ensure account set up of CIF numbers for each customer.
• Ensure customer statements are mailed out timely according to customer’s request.
• Participate in review / identification of dormant account and liaise with Front Office to close accounts.
• Assist to put in place a proper BIA and BCP for Settlement activities.
• Participate in HKMA Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) by providing account information and ensure the DPS reports are prepared accurately.
• Participate in annual DPS drill and DPS external audit as per regulatory requirement.
• Participate and attend to GIA audit and prepare draft responses on audit issues.
• Knowledge sharing on settlement practices to other team members.
• Provide BAU back-up support for other team members within Operations when they are away.
• Handle additional tasks and duties assigned by Head of Department and/or Chief Operating Officer.

Additional Role-Specific Responsibilities

• To liaise and supervise GMO and / or off-shore team in processing of transactions (both financial and non-financial).
• To liaise with GMO and Reconciliation team on transaction processing and reconciliation of outstanding items ensuring no undue delays in processing.
• To identify transactions which require manual postings, obtain approval to process from Management and to communicate with HO team for timely processing.
• To ensure new account and on-going maintenance of customer data are input correctly in Intellect system.
• To approve transactions processed by off-shore team as detective control to ensure transactions are posted correctly.
• To perform end-of-day review of all transactions posted and to send confirmation to off-shore team that daily work is completed satisfactorily.
• To perform reconciliation of Bank’s account statement with daily transactions to ensure no fraudulent activities.
• To perform SWIFT reconciliation of in-coming and out-going messages and that these messages are correctly processed by off shore team.
• To monitor transactions volume and adequacy of staff resources (ramp up and ramp down) in off-shore team.
• To participate in hiring of outsourced staff to ensure hiring of right skill level for the job function.
• To participate in annual performance review of off shore team ensuring the bank’s core competency principles are adhered and practiced.
• To review and approve Bank’s core systems and SWIFT access for off-shore team.
• Review audit findings of WNS operations to ensure the Bank’s procedures are followed and no operational risk.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Graduate in Banking/ Commerce / Economics / Accounting/Business Administration.
• The incumbent is expected to possess at least 8 years of relevant working experience in settlement functions across a wide range of Global Markets products (including FX/MM, Corporate/Commercial Banking, Derivatives, Debt/Capital Market) with reputable financial institutions.
• The incumbent has at least 5 years’ experience in handling customer remittance transactions.
• Good knowledge on operations of SWIFT, RTGS (CMU/CHATS), Clearstream/Euroclear system.
• Can work independently and under pressure and ability to meet deadlines.
• Good command of English with strong communication and inter-personal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, clearly and concisely with management and peers alike.
• Knowledge of ISDA terms, Dealing methods, securities products and the usage of Reuters.
• Sound knowledge on local regulatory requirements on AML/KYC standard.
• Able to work in a multi-culture and cross time zone environment and develop good rapport with diverse group of staff in Head Office and off-shore team