Markets & Securities Services - Trade Support Associate

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

The primary purpose of this role is to manage the day-to-day processing of securities trades within the broader Treasury Operations team. This involves ensuring the timely and accurate processing of securities transactions from Front Office trade capture systems to the respective accounting and payment systems, as well as the General Ledger.

Key responsibilities include controlling the confirmation and affirmation processes related to daily business activities. The role also involves providing outsourced services to EMEA offices and assisting the Assistant Team Leader in implementing new processes and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.

Business Area

The role involves regular daily interaction with the Team Leader and occasional interaction with the Director in charge of Securities Operations. There is also interaction with Marketing Departments and Treasury to support the booking of new securities transactions.

The position includes contact with Relationship Management teams at Issuing and Paying Agents (IPA’s) and Custodians as the first point of contact. Regular communication with Operations teams at Issuing and Paying Agents is necessary to ensure timely settlements. Additionally, there is some contact with dealers within TDED in various EMEA locations.

Position Description

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Timely Payments: Ensure all payments are entered in time to meet respective deadlines.
• Accurate Accounting: Ensure all accounting entries (DDA and General Ledger) are processed correctly.
• Trade Verification: Verify trades against respective external sources prior to processing.
• Confirmation Matching: Complete the confirmation matching process promptly and resolve discrepancies.
• Reconciliation: Proactively follow up and resolve reconciliation breaks with Nostros or Custodian statements.
• Daily Functions: Complete daily functions accurately and timely.
• Custodian Balances: Fully reconcile custodian balances and ensure trades are settled to meet market conventions.
• Relationship Management: Maintain existing relationships with Front Office to promote quality service.
• Process Improvement: Proactively improve processes using the 3 “E”s and the Kaizen concept.
• Documentation: Actively maintain and update desktop procedures and checklists.
• System Upgrades: Perform and document User Acceptance Testing as part of new system upgrades.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Securities Settlements: Understanding of securities settlements business, including Euroclear, CREST, and FED settlement services, as well as primary issuance and secondary market settlements.
• Payment Formats: Knowledge of various payment formats.
• Documentation: Understanding of securities underlying documentation, including awareness of regulatory reporting requirements.

Challenges

• Regulatory Adaptation: Ability to adapt to the continually changing regulatory environment for the securities business.
• Prioritization: Skill in prioritizing day-to-day responsibilities.
• Support: Provide support to the Assistant Team Leader for tactical process improvements.
• Process Improvement: Determination to continually challenge the status quo of existing processing methods while ensuring control is maintained and customer experience is enhanced.
• Communication: Effective communication skills.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!