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- Tasks: Own and oversee complex trade lifecycle processes in a dynamic capital markets environment.
- Company: Join Validus Risk Management, a leading advisory firm in financial market risk.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, enhanced health insurance, and support for professional qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving processes and driving innovation in a growing team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in capital markets operations with strong Excel skills; Python experience is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Validus Risk Management is seeking a high-performing Capital Markets Operations professional to join our growing team and play a hands-on, high-impact role in scaling our global operations capability. This is not a purely transactional operations role. You will operate as a senior member and trusted operator, taking ownership of complex trade lifecycle processes, driving continuous improvement and acting as an informal leader within the team. You will work closely with senior management, front-office colleagues, clients and a global banking panel to ensure our operating model is robust, controlled and scalable as the business continues to grow. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys owning outcomes, improving how things work and being relied upon as a problem-solver and coach without requiring formal people-management responsibility.
Trading & Lifecycle Operations
- Own and oversee end-to-end trade lifecycle activities across FX, derivatives, commodities and futures, including:
- Trade capture, confirmation and affirmation
- Settlement, payments and cash movements
- Reconciliations and investigation of breaks
- Regulatory and internal reporting
Process Improvement, Automation & Data
- Take ownership of improving, standardising and automating operational processes across the trade lifecycle and related workflows.
- Apply advanced Excel skills as a core tool for operational control, reporting and efficiency, including:
- Complex formulas and logic
- Power Query and Power Pivot
- Robust, scalable spreadsheet models and controls
Leadership & Team Contribution
- Act as an informal team lead, supporting and coaching junior team members through hands-on training and day-to-day guidance.
- Set high standards for accuracy, ownership and control discipline.
- Serve as a point of escalation for complex operational issues, applying sound judgment and structured problem-solving.
- Partner with senior management on operational initiatives, change delivery and process redesign.
Governance & Risk
- Ensure strict adherence to internal policies, procedures and control frameworks.
- Maintain awareness of relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices, assessing operational impact.
- Proactively identify operational risks and contribute to mitigation strategies.
Core Experience
- 5+ years’ experience in financial markets or capital markets operations, ideally within FX, derivatives or hedging.
- Strong understanding of trade lifecycle mechanics, market infrastructure, settlement processes and operational risk.
- Proven ability to take ownership of complex workflows and deliver consistently under pressure.
- Experience in a growing or evolving operating environment is strongly preferred.
Process Automation & Data
- Advanced Excel skills are essential and will be used extensively in this role.
- Demonstrated experience using Excel to improve processes, enhance controls and deliver operational insight.
- Experience with Python and/or Alteryx is a strong advantage but not a prerequisite.
- Comfortable working with large datasets and translating data into actionable operational outcomes.
Leadership & Behaviours
- Evidence of training, mentoring or coaching junior team members, even without formal line-management responsibility.
- Strong ownership mindset with the confidence to challenge existing processes and drive improvement.
- Highly analytical, detail-oriented and resilient under time pressure.
- Clear, professional communicator able to engage effectively with operations, front office, clients and counterparties.
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or a related discipline.
- Professional qualifications such as CFA, FRM or CAIA would be a desirable asset.
Compensation and Benefits
- Eligible for company bonus scheme
- Enhanced Health Insurance with Dental, Optical and Mental health benefits
- Financial support towards qualifications
- Pension
About the Company
Validus Risk Management is an independent technology-enabled advisory firm specialising in the management of FX, interest rate and other market risks. We work with institutional investors, fund managers, and portfolio companies to design and implement strategies to measure, manage and monitor financial market risk, using a market-tested combination of specialist consulting services, trade execution and innovative risk technology. Working at Validus can offer an exciting opportunity for both personal development and professional growth. Share in our mission to become the largest and most respected specialist provider of financial market risk services in the world. Notable benefits include a competitive remuneration package (salary + bonus), health care, retirement plans, and financial support towards professional qualifications.
Our core company values
- Accountability – Getting it done and owning the result.
- Teamwork – We succeed by helping others succeed.
- Integrity – We serve our clients; the responsibility is sacrosanct.
- Diversity – Diversity boosts creativity – creativity is our edge.
- Kaizen – Strive to do things better. Innovation kills complacency.
Validus is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Associate - Capital Markets Operations employer: Validus Risk Management
Contact Detail:
Validus Risk Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Capital Markets Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since this role involves complex trade lifecycle processes, be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past. Use real examples to showcase your analytical mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Validus Risk Management.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Capital Markets Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Associate in Capital Markets Operations. Highlight your experience with trade lifecycle processes and any relevant skills, like advanced Excel or Python, that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've taken ownership of complex workflows and improved processes in your previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight instances where you've acted as a problem-solver. We want to see how you've tackled challenges and contributed to process improvements in your past experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Validus Risk Management.
How to prepare for a job interview at Validus Risk Management
✨Know Your Trade Lifecycle
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the trade lifecycle processes, especially in FX and derivatives. Brush up on key concepts like trade capture, settlement, and reconciliations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to take ownership of complex workflows.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this role, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. Be ready to discuss how you've used complex formulas, Power Query, or Power Pivot in past roles to improve processes. If you can share specific examples of how you've enhanced operational efficiency, even better!
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
This role requires a strong problem-solver who can handle complex operational issues. Think of examples from your previous experience where you identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions. Highlighting your analytical mindset and structured approach to problem-solving will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Even if you haven't held formal management positions, it's important to showcase your ability to mentor and support others. Prepare anecdotes about how you've coached junior team members or led initiatives that improved team performance. This will illustrate your potential as an informal leader within their team.
