Head of Custody & Securities Services, Leading GCC Financial Institution (Role based in Middle East

Our client, a leading financial institution based in the Middle East, is seeking an experienced securities services professional to lead the continued development and transformation of their custody and institutional services platform.

You will play a key role in enhancing the scalability, competitiveness and commercial growth of the business, with responsibility for strengthening custody capabilities, expanding institutional offerings and supporting the integration of custody, brokerage and securities lending services. The role will involve driving strategic initiatives, improving operating models, introducing new solutions and positioning the business as a leading provider of institutional market services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Strategy & Development:
  Lead the continued evolution of the custody and securities services platform, identifying opportunities to enhance capabilities, improve market positioning and support long-term business growth.
• Custody & Asset Servicing:
  Oversee the development and enhancement of custody solutions, ensuring the business continues to meet the evolving needs of institutional clients across domestic and international markets.
• Securities Lending & Product Expansion:
  Support the development and integration of securities lending and related services, creating a broader institutional offering and identifying new commercial opportunities.
• Technology & Operating Model Transformation:
  Drive initiatives to improve scalability, including the implementation of new systems, technology enhancements and process improvements across custody and brokerage operations.
• Commercial Growth & Client Engagement:
  Build and strengthen relationships with institutional clients, asset managers and market participants, supporting business development efforts and increasing market share.
• Stakeholder Management:
  Work closely with senior leadership, brokerage, technology and wider business teams to deliver integrated solutions and challenge existing processes to improve service capabilities.

Qualifications &

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years relevant experience within a leading international custody, securities services, asset servicing, investor services or related capital markets businesses.
• Demonstrated experience building, transforming or scaling aspects of a custody or institutional services platform.
• Strong understanding of custody operations, securities lending, brokerage integration and institutional client requirements.
• Experience leading technology-enabled transformation initiatives, including the implementation of new systems, platforms or operating models.
• Proven commercial capability with experience developing client relationships, expanding product offerings and identifying new business opportunities.
• Experience with in a global financial institution, custodian bank, asset servicing provider or leading investment platform is strongly preferred.
• Strong strategic, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to combine technical expertise with a commercial mindset and effectively engage senior stakeholders.