Settlements Associate

Reporting to: Settlements Team Manager (VP level)

Role Overview

An opportunity to join an established Operations Settlements team within a global financial services organisation. The role focuses on bond and equity settlements across UK, European, US, and Asian markets, working closely with internal stakeholders, custodians, and market infrastructure providers.

This position suits a detail-driven settlements professional with strong reconciliation experience and a solid understanding of securities markets and settlement risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely settlement of bond and equity trades across domestic and international markets
• Pre-match and settle trades via domestic agents and international clearing systems
• Monitor and resolve settlement fails, escalating issues where required
• Perform daily cash and stock reconciliation investigations within tight deadlines
• Liaise with traders, cash management, custodians, and counterparties to resolve settlement issues
• Respond to internal and external enquiries promptly via email and phone
• Operate within defined controls, proactively identifying and escalating operational risks
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives, automation ideas, and project work (including UAT testing)
• Provide cross-team cover within the Settlements function as required

Skills & Experience

• 3+ years’ experience in Investment Banking Operations, specifically Settlements
• Strong understanding of securities markets, settlement cycles, and deadlines
• Proven experience with cash and stock reconciliations
• SWIFT messaging experience (formatting and processing)
• Strong Excel and general PC skills

Core Competencies

• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexible, proactive, and detail-oriented