Senior Manager - Corporate Trusts

Apex Group is seeking a Senior Manager, Corporate Trusts & Escrow Services to lead a small team and directly manage a portfolio of corporate structures, escrows, commercial trusts, and process agent appointments. The ideal candidate will take direct responsibility for the end-to-end client lifecycle from initial take-on and KYC onboarding to operational servicing and capital distributions. This role requires an agile individual with the ability to prioritise workflows, meet transactional timelines, and collaborate across departments to deliver outstanding service and contribute to strengthening our market reputation.

Accountabilities & Main Responsibilities

• Management
  • Manage, coach and develop team members to enable them to maximise their contribution to the business.
  • Co-ordinate client work with team members, determining priorities and forward planning.
  • Monitor transaction execution and documentation to ensure flawless service delivery and compliance with operational risk parameters.
  • Set clear, realistic objectives for the team and assess team and individual performance by regular reviews and annual appraisals.
• Transactional
  • Directly manage a portfolio of clients including the take-on of new transactions in accordance with established procedures and Company policies, including evaluating, commenting on and approving the form of documents, specifically trust deeds, escrow agreements and notices and circulars.
  • Co-ordinating and ensuring the carrying out of all client due diligence (KYC) and ensuring that all appointments comply with reporting requirements under FATCA, CRS and AEOI.
  • Ensuring that the team’s day to day administration is carried out within the framework of the relevant governing trust deed or agreement and, where appropriate, regulatory legislation.
  • Approving tax returns and VAT calculations ensuring that payments of tax are effected as and when due and reviewing annual accounts prepared by Operators / Accountants prior to audit.
  • Considering proposals affecting the rights, protections and remedies of Beneficiaries by interpretation and application of provisions of trust deeds, liaising with the Issuer/Operator and Trustee’s solicitors, as appropriate.
  • Oversee the timely completion of annual reviews, accurate client billing, and strict adherence to internal controls.
  • Developing a strong working relationship with clients, law firms, investments banks and other industry professionals.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Report any identified issues and risks, including legal/regulatory matters and client complaints, to senior management promptly.
  • Ensure that all compliance and mandatory training is completed within required timescales.
  • To act in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements affecting the Company and ensuring that actions comply with both departmental procedures and this job description.
  • Ensure personal development records are kept up-to-date on relevant systems and annual/semi-annual appraisals are held and documented in a timely manner.

Skills/Experience Required

• 10+ years relevant experience in corporate trusts, escrow services, or corporate administration.
• Understanding of the operational mechanisms of escrows, commercial trusts, and process agent appointments.
• Good organizational skills with a proven capability to manage shifting priorities under deal-driven pressure.
• Solid working knowledge of UK KYC/AML regulations, corporate governance, and client asset protection principles.
• Articulate verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to engage confidently with internal teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.