Head, Custody and Investment Administration, Transaction Banking

This position calls for a seasoned leader to spearhead the Custody and Investment Administration portfolio within the Transaction Banking division. The successful candidate will be instrumental in charting a strategic course for this crucial area, aiming to significantly boost commercial growth and foster innovation across the African continent. This role carries substantial responsibility, impacting over 70% of the Investor Services revenue, and demands a robust understanding of regulatory landscapes and operational best practices. The goal is to solidify the organisation's standing as a preeminent provider of securities services by offering market-leading expertise and solutions.

Strategic Vision and Growth Engine

At its core, this role is about defining and executing a forward-thinking, multi-year strategic roadmap for Custody and Investment Administration. This involves ensuring seamless integration with the broader objectives of Investor Services and the Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) division. Key to this strategy will be driving product innovation, incorporating emerging technologies, and continuously refining the value proposition to clients.

Commercial growth and profitability are paramount. This will be achieved through the development and implementation of sophisticated pricing models, the meticulous execution of annual business plans, and the identification of new market opportunities. Evaluating potential mergers, acquisitions, or other inorganic growth transactions to extend the organisation's geographic reach and service capabilities across Africa will also be a critical component of the growth agenda.

Client Engagement and Operational Excellence

A significant aspect of the role involves nurturing and managing relationships with high-level institutional clients. This requires a steadfast commitment to service excellence, ensuring client satisfaction, adherence to service level agreements, and the delivery of exceptional client experiences. The aim is to safeguard the existing asset base, enhance client retention, and reinforce the organisation's reputation as a client-centric, world-class service provider.

Furthermore, the Head of Custody and Investment Administration will oversee the entire operational value chain for custody and investment administration services. This encompasses critical functions such as safekeeping, settlements, and corporate actions. A strong focus will be placed on driving automation and digitisation initiatives to streamline processes, boost operational efficiency, minimise manual intervention, and favourably impact the cost-to-income ratio.

Risk, Governance, and Team Leadership

Maintaining executive oversight of risk, governance, and regulatory compliance is a non-negotiable requirement. This involves establishing rigorous governance structures, comprehensive executive reporting frameworks, and robust fiduciary oversight across diverse jurisdictions. Proactive management of product-related risks and the integration of evolving regulatory requirements and market infrastructure changes into product strategy are essential.

Building and leading a high-performing team is central to the success of this role. This includes fostering talent development, implementing effective performance management, planning for succession, and ensuring strategic resource allocation. Cultivating a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence within the team will be a key leadership responsibility.

The organisation seeks an individual who can influence senior stakeholders, provide influential thought leadership within the industry, and collaborate effectively across various functions, including Client Solutions, Technology, Operations, and Risk. Engagement with regulatory bodies and financial market intermediaries, along with contributing to the future development of capital market infrastructure and securities services in Africa, will also be important.

In South Africa, senior roles in custody and investment administration within large financial institutions typically command competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the specialised knowledge and significant responsibilities involved. Employment opportunities are primarily with major banking groups and diversified financial services providers, particularly those with a strong presence in institutional and corporate banking. The career path for individuals excelling in such roles often leads to broader leadership positions within transaction banking, investor services, or even executive roles within the broader financial services sector.

Qualification
Degree or Post Graduate Degree in Business Commerce, Finance and Accounting

Experience Required
Minimum 10-13 years of experience in African financial markets, with significant exposure to the Custody and Securities Services business. Extensive experience managing senior product teams and navigating complex, matrixed organisational structures across a Pan-African footprint. A track record of successfully managing a high-revenue portfolio (>R1bn+) and delivering large-scale strategic or transformational initiatives.