Settlement Officer / Associate L1 - Local Settlements

We are seeking a reliable and detail-focused Officer to support day-to-day post-trade operations across APAC and EMEA markets. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate and timely trade settlements, with specific attention to pre-matching, exception handling, and reconciliation tasks. The role demands strong process execution, control adherence, and timely escalation of trade-related issues. This role gives the opportunity to learn about different markets, the products offered and the nature of settlement. This position serves as a base to master the Clearing & Custody activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Trade Processing & Pre-matching:

• Processing client instructions into settlement system without any error and processing to market terminal. (from trade capture to smooth settlement)
• Monitoring client execution and providing timely reporting to clients on status and short positions.
• Keeping clients posted on the latest status of their trades with BNP, ensure to provide real time update with MT548 (Swift Message) for any mismatch or discrepancy with the trades.
• Liaising with the counterparties for pre-matching over the phone/email to enhance smooth settlement.
• Liaising with various internal and external stakeholders for any static requirement/setup/account manager follow-ups to ensure the trade settlement has no impact.
• Monitoring client trades and market terminal close to respective market cut-off for any last-minute requirements or adjustment in transactions.

• Risk Management:

• Margin call monitoring and processing/posting for shortages on same day.
• Prepare MT103/ MT202 payments related to margin posting and ensure SSIs are being validated with effective controls.
• Preparation of Journal posting for Fees/Maintenance with Settlement Bank/ Interest Charges.

• Reconciliation Break & Resolution:

• Perform daily cash and securities reconciliations between internal ledgers and custodian/clearing house statements.
• Assist in breaks investigation and resolution by identifying booking errors, missing instructions, or funding gaps.
• Keep regular follow-ups on long pending breaks and provide periodic feedback. Escalate to management if its been pending for more than the given agreed period.

• Fails Management:

• Investigate settlement failures caused by incorrect SSIs, short positions, or unconfirmed trades.
• Follow up with brokers, custodians, and internal stakeholders to ensure prompt fail resolution.
• Investigate fail trades and report to client with exact failing reason on daily basis.

Generic:

• Familiar with Swift Messages (MT54X, MT599)
• Knowledge on Depository/ Custody and stock market functions.
• Perform daily and monthly duties as required by the team for audit purposes.
• Ensure all the tasks are covered for the day and the same has been updated in daily checklist tool.
• Working knowledge in trade life cycle and end-to-end settlement process is added advantage.

• Demonstrate analytical and Problem-solving skills, Numerical Skills, basic knowledge in
• MS Excel (macros and visual basic)
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask in a demanding and fast paced environment.
• Proven ability to manage time critical and deadline orientated workload.

• Graduates / Postgraduates (Preferably Finance Background)
• Candidates should be willing and flexible to work in any shifts.
• Relevant work experience in the Trade settlements / Custody activity.