Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Assistant Vice President

Role Summary

This is a blended Finance/Operations role with a wide set of responsibilities, with the primary focus of helping manage all Middle Office matters of SMDAM investment vehicles across alternatives, as well as assist with the Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS platform and segregated account businesses focusing on equities and fixed income. 

Who we are

Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management (UK) Lid.

Based in the City of London, Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management (UK) Ltd. is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd., a global active investment manager covering a wide range of asset classes including equities, fixed incomes and alternatives. We have offices in Tokyo, London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai and manage assets on behalf of financial institutions, pension funds, government agencies and retail investors. 

Business Area

This is a blended Finance/Operations role with a wide set of responsibilities, with the primary focus of helping manage all Middle Office matters of SMDAM investment vehicles across alternatives, as well as assist with the Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS platform and segregated account businesses focusing on equities and fixed income. 

Position Description

The role is a key hire in support of SMDAM’s plans to significantly expand its asset management activities outside of Japan over the next ten years and responsible for managing and driving the effective operations behind SMDAM investment vehicles. This expansion will primarily focus on the launch of a range of alternative funds (including private credit and infrastructure finance) leveraging the expertise of the wider SMBC Group, as well as covering across the full range of SMDAM’s existing investment products.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities includes:

1. Coordinating the purchase/sale of investments across multiple internal and external teams, requiring assistance on AML/KYC checks, and preparation of Transfer Certificates and Pricing Letters.
2. Preparing payment instructions and overseeing the execution of all movement of funds for servicing investments, interest payments and FX settlements.
3. Identifying and leading efforts to spearhead operational improvements.
4. Managing the funding of investments, including drawdowns and repayments of the vehicles’ credit facilities, requiring provision of an up-to-date Borrowing Base certificate.
5. Preparing LP capital calls and distribution instructions for the vehicle’s fund administrator.
6. Instructing a third-party advisor on upcoming FX spot transactions to be executed on behalf of the fund.
7. Maintaining fund registration in host countries.
8. Preparing reports for board meetings.
9. Maintaining an up-to-date tracker of investable capital available at each entity.
10. Building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders (fund administrator, external service providers, back-office staff).
11. Classifying documents and folder structures to ensure efficient organisation and retrieval of information.
12. Managing end-to-end invoice processing, payment execution, and approval tracking; supporting VAT return reviews and ensuring adherence to tax regulations.
13. Assisting with day-to-day accounting operations, supporting reconciliations and quarterly reporting, and helping with preparing documentation for audits and financial reviews.
14. Performing an independent check of key legal terms underpinning new investments ahead of signing and comparing these against the Investment Committee’s approval and/or SMDAM’s internal policies.
15. Ensuring the accurate and timely booking of investments within both the service provider's IT environment and our internal systems, reconciling any data discrepancies with the help of the investment team.
16. Monitoring workflow status of new investments and deliverability of signing/funding dates.
17. Maintaining a comprehensive file for every new investment according to a defined checklist of final investment materials from SMBC

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications :

1. Relevant experience within a major financial institution
2. Knowledge of typical Middle Office/Operations processes and control frameworks
3. Strong communication skills, and ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders across different teams by providing clear instructions and delivery timetables
4. Attention to detail with a zero-miss mentality
5. Self-starter with a hands-on approach with a positive attitude to learning new capabilities, who takes ownership of their workload under the guidance of colleagues
6. Ability to manage and prioritize responsibilities to meet external/internal deadlines alongside their BAU work
7. Ability to identify, suggest, and drive process improvements wherever available
8. Knowledge and understanding of Asset Management and Private Asset classes a strong positive
9. Knowledge of accounting principles, fund legal documentation, or LBO legal documentation advantageous

Competencies

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!!