Global Governance & Controls (Models & Algos) - Executive Director in London

Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, investment management, and wealth management services. With offices in more than 40 countries, the Firm serves a broad range of clients including corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide. At Morgan Stanley, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to fostering a culture built on integrity, excellence, collaboration, and diversity of thought.

Position Description

Morgan Stanley’s ISG Central Risk Team is responsible for governance and oversight of key business control frameworks across the Institutional Securities business. As the Firm continues to expand its use of models, algorithmic trading, and emerging AI capabilities, scalable and effective governance remains a critical priority. We are seeking an experienced Executive Director, based in London, to lead the global teams responsible for Model Risk Management Framework governance and Algorithmic Trading Governance, while also contributing to the Firm’s evolving approach to GenAI governance. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring close partnership with senior business leaders, risk, compliance, technology, and control functions globally.

The successful candidate will help shape the future direction of governance programs, drive modernization and process improvement initiatives, and support evolving business and technology priorities within a strong control environment. The role requires a pragmatic and credible leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational execution—someone capable of driving change thoughtfully while understanding existing processes, stakeholder dynamics, and business priorities.

In addition to global program leadership responsibilities, the role will also provide local management oversight for London-based teams supporting Trader Mandate and Limit Governance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead global governance teams responsible for Model Risk Management Framework and Algorithmic Trading Governance programs
• Partner with senior stakeholders across business, risk, compliance, and technology functions to evolve governance frameworks and support strategic priorities, including GenAI governance initiatives
• Drive governance modernization efforts focused on scalability, efficiency, transparency, and business enablement
• Provide leadership and oversight across teams in London and New York, including local management oversight for London-based Trader Mandate and Limit Governance teams
• Act as a senior escalation point for governance-related matters and support day‑to‑day issue management where required
• Strengthen management reporting, metrics, and governance transparency across programs
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Skills & Experience Required

• Significant experience within financial services across governance, controls, risk management, business management, or strategic transformation functions
• Strong understanding of governance and controls within markets, trading, models, algorithmic trading, or related business areas
• Proven ability to lead teams and influence senior stakeholders across complex global organizations
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and execution capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and influence outcomes across complex organizations
• Ability to balance governance rigor with business priorities, operational efficiency, and technology innovation
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills
• Experience driving governance transformation or modernization initiatives is highly valued
• Exposure to GenAI governance and controls initiatives is advantageous