Head Of Custody (1 Position)

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Head Of Custody (1 Position)

Reporting to the Chief Corporate & Institutional Banking Officer, the role is responsible for providing strategic, commercial and executive leadership for the Custody & Securities Services business, driving sustainable revenue, profitability and market growth while strengthening institutional client relationships and market positioning. The role is accountable for the end-to-end performance of the business, including strategy execution, product development, operational excellence, risk and regulatory governance and organizational capability, ensuring the delivery of secure, innovative and client-focused securities services solutions in support of the Bank’s overall growth agenda.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Develop and execute the custody and securities services strategy in alignment with the Bank’s overall strategic objectives, risk appetite and growth agenda, translating strategic priorities into clear business plans, targets and measurable outcomes.
Own the overall financial performance of the custody business, including revenue, profitability, market share and cost management, while identifying and converting new business opportunities across institutional investors, asset managers, pension funds, insurers, banks and other strategic clients.
Build and maintain senior level relationships with key institutional clients, international financial institutions and strategic partners; personally lead critical client engagements, negotiation, pitches and relationship reviews to deepen client value and retention.
Position the Bank as a leading provider of custody and securities services solutions in Uganda by representing the business at senior industry, regulatory and market forums and actively contributing to the development of Uganda’s capital- markets ecosystem.
Lead the development, enhancement and digitisation of custody and securities-services propositions in response to changing client needs., market developments, regulatory requirements and emerging opportunities, including opportunities for regional and cross-border growth.
Provide executive oversight of custody operations, securities settlement, safe keeping, asset servicing, reconciliations, corporate actions and related services, ensuring high standards of operational resilience, service quality, efficiency, automation and client experience.
Maintain overall accountability for the business’s risk and control environment, ensuring compliance with accountable Ugandan laws, regulations and market rules, as well as the institution’s enterprise risk-management framework, policies, AML/KYC requirements and risk appetite.
Establish robust governance, management-information and performance-management frameworks, providing EXCO and relevant governance committees with timely insight into financial performance, strategic initiatives, client metrics, operational performance, material risks and emerging market opportunities.
Lead, develop and retain a high performing leadership team and build the organisational capabilities required to deliver the business strategy, with clear accountability for performance, succession, talent development, culture and employment engagement.
Act as a senior enterprise leader, collaborating across CIB, Transaction Banking, Risk, Compliance, Finance, TDO, Legal and other functions to maximise client value, optimise the operating model and establish custody & securities services as a sustainable strategic growth franchise.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, Banking, Law, or a related field from a recognised institution.
A Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Banking, Investment Management, or a related discipline will be an added advantage.
Professional qualifications such as CISI, CFA, ACCA, CPA, ACT, or other relevant custody, securities, treasury, or financial markets certifications are desirable.
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in banking, financial services, securities services, asset servicing, operations, or capital markets.
At least 5 years’ experience at a senior management level leading custody, securities operations, trustee services, asset servicing, or related financial services functions.
Proven experience managing relationships with institutional investors, fund managers, pension funds, insurance companies, brokers, regulators, and market infrastructure providers.
Demonstrated experience in custody operations including safekeeping of assets, settlement, corporate actions, income collection, reporting, asset servicing, and client onboarding.
Experience in developing and implementing operational controls, risk management frameworks, and regulatory compliance programmes.
Proven track record in leading high-performing teams and delivering operational excellence in a regulated financial services environment.
Strong knowledge of custody, securities services, asset servicing, capital markets operations, and investment products.
Thorough understanding of financial markets, securities settlement processes, corporate actions, fund administration, and trustee services.
Sound knowledge of Bank of Uganda regulations, Capital Markets Authority requirements, pension sector regulations, anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, and other applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
Strong understanding of operational risk management, internal controls, compliance, and governance standards.
Knowledge of custody systems, SWIFT messaging, securities settlement infrastructure, and digital innovations in securities services.
Understanding of institutional banking, cash management, treasury products, and investment services.
Strong strategic thinking and business development capabilities.
Excellent leadership, people management, coaching, and team development skills.
Strong client relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Ability to identify and manage operational, compliance, market, and reputational risks.
Strong project management and process improvement capabilities.
High level of commercial awareness and business acumen.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure.
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to service excellence.
Integrity and professionalism.
Customer-centric mindset.
Accountability and ownership.
Results orientation.
Strategic and innovative thinking.
Collaboration and relationship building.
Resilience and adaptability.
Sound judgement and decision-making.
Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.