Global Markets AI Director – APAC

Barclay Simpson; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Barclay Simpson in Hong Kong seeks a Director to lead AI in Global Markets for APAC from Hong Kong. This role sits in a centralised Quant function with front-office influence, responsible for shaping AI strategy and delivery across trading desks.

You will lead a team of 8–10, drive end-to-end AI programmes, ensure governance, and deliver measurable PnL impact through advanced ML initiatives and robust model governance.

Qualifications

• Senior-level AI/ML expertise with hands-on ability when needed.
• Proven track record delivering AI/ML in complex, stakeholder-driven settings.
• Experience managing end-to-end AI/ML projects in markets or banking.
• Strong front-office engagement and leadership experience at senior levels.
• Ability to scale AI initiatives within a central Quant function.
• Exposure to electronic trading or markets is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing AI/ML team supporting Global Markets.
• Own end-to-end delivery of AI programmes, from ideation through to production and governance.
• Partner directly with trading desks and business leadership to identify and execute high-impact use cases.
• Work across stakeholders, engineering teams, and governance frameworks to deliver production-ready AI solutions.
• Apply advanced ML techniques across price forecasting, recommender systems, reinforcement learning, and decision‑making under uncertainty.
• Deliver initial use cases within FX, establishing proof of concept before scaling across asset classes.
• Drive best practice across responsible AI and model governance.

Skills

AI/ML leadership

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

APAC market exposure

Strategic vision

Quant/Trading domain knowledge

Job description

Director – Global Markets AI

Hong Kong | Highly Competitive Compensation

A leading global investment bank is making a significant investment in AI across its Global Markets business and is seeking aDirector-level hireto lead this build‑out in APAC.

This is a rare opportunity to establish and scale anew AI/ML function within the Investment Bank, delivering cutting‑edge solutions across trading and markets businesses with direct commercial impact.

This role sits within acentralised Quant business within the Investment Bank, specifically for markets, offering strong alignment to front‑office activity and direct influence on trading outcomes.

You will lead a team of 8–10 and work closely with senior stakeholders across Hong Kong, driving the design, development, and deployment of AI solutions with measurable PnL impact. A key part of the mandate is to bringAI/ML technical excellence into the team, acting as the senior technical authority.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing AI/ML team supporting Global Markets
• Own end-to-end delivery of AI programmes, from ideation through to production and governance
• Partner directly with trading desks and business leadership to identify and execute high-impact use cases
• Work across stakeholders, engineering teams, and governance frameworks to deliver production-ready AI solutions
• Apply advanced ML techniques acrossprice forecasting, recommender systems, reinforcement learning, and decision‑making under uncertainty, with a clear focus on PnL impact
• Deliver initial use cases within FX, establishing proof of concept before scaling across asset classes
• Drive best practice across responsible AI and model governance

Requirements

• Strong technical expertise in AI/ML, with the ability to remain hands‑on where required
• Proven track record delivering AI/ML solutions in complex, stakeholder‑driven environments
• Experience managing end‑to‑end AI/ML projects, from stakeholder engagement through to engineering deployment and governance
• Experience within Markets or Investment Banking (APAC exposure advantageous)
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior/front‑office level
• Operating at asenior Director level, with clear experience engaging leadership and driving strategic initiatives
• Typically suited to individuals who have been atDirector level for ~2–3 years and are ready to step into a broader leadership remit
• Experience building or scaling teams and driving AI/LLM initiatives
• Exposure toelectronic or high-frequency trading environmentsis advantageous, but not essential
• Must be based in (or willing to relocate to) Hong Kong

This is a high-profile, strategically backed hire with significant investment, offering the opportunity to shape the AI agenda within a leading global markets business.