Operations - Executive Director - Trade Settlement

Asia Head of Security Settlements, Shared Services & Banking Operations – Executive Director We're seeking someone to join our team as the Asia Head of Security Settlements in Shared Services Banking Operations (SSBO) to provide oversight of settlement functions in Asia, as well as Asia based teams supporting other regional activities. One of the largest divisions in the Firm, Operations is the first line of defense for Morgan Stanley's financial and reputational well-being and essential in delivering value. Operations is responsible for correctly settling and recording millions of transactions per day, identifying and mitigating operational risk, developing strong client relationships and partnering with technology to realize the full potential of IT and Automation. Operations has a premier team of creative and dedicated professionals, with a unique vantage point interacting with all parts of the business. The Operations Senior Management team is passionate about our people development and providing top-notch employee opportunities through an inclusive, forward-looking environment defined by open communication, collaboration, learning and dedicated career management. This is an Executive Director level position within the Shared Services Banking Operations’ Global Security Settlements team. The Asia Head of Security Settlements is responsible for leading and ensuring timely support in the settlement of Equity, Fixed Income, and other securities transactions across multiple markets and depositories – inclusive of both Morgan Stanley teams, as well as working in close partnership with our vendor partners.  They will act as the Global Head of Securities Settlements’ delegate when it comes to Asia markets, support any Global programs or initiatives, and partner with Trading, Sales, Technology, Risk, Compliance and external market participants to deliver a scalable, resilient and best-in-class settlement operation. What you will do in this role: Provide strategic leadership for the Asia Security Settlements function, setting direction and priorities to ensure the timely, accurate and controlled settlement of securities transactions while delivering operational excellence across all supported markets and products. Act as the senior escalation point for significant settlement issues, market events and operational incidents, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate management of financial, regulatory and reputational risk. Partner closely with regional and global stakeholders across GSS Fleet, SSBO, Operations, Technology, Risk, Compliance and the business to drive settlement performance, support business growth and execute strategic, regulatory and market-driven change initiatives. Lead and develop the Asia Security Settlements organization, with responsibility for talent acquisition, performance management, employee development, succession planning and building a high-performing, engaged and diverse team with high retention. Represent Asia GSS across regional and global Operations, Business, Risk and Governance forums, providing leadership on operational risk, controls, regulatory matters and key business initiatives. Maintain a strong risk and control environment by identifying emerging risks, strengthening controls, overseeing issue remediation and ensuring adherence to regulatory, audit and firm requirements. Drive process improvement and transformation initiatives across the settlement lifecycle, leveraging automation, technology and data to improve efficiency, scalability, resiliency and client outcomes. Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including Front Office, Finance, Treasury, custodians, agent banks and market infrastructures, to support effective execution and deliver commercial objectives. Establish and oversee key performance, risk and control metrics, providing transparent reporting and insights to senior management while driving accountability and continuous