Settlement Operations Center Manager

Hua Ao Sdn. Bhd.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Settlement Operations Center Manager to oversee local settlement functions and ensure seamless cross-border operations. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in fund operations and proven leadership skills, managing teams of over 20 individuals. Fluency in English and Mandarin is essential for communication with clients. This role includes ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and optimizing performance metrics across the organization.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years experience in settlement/cash/fund operations within the banking or financial industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams of at least 20+ people.
• Fluent in English and Mandarin to effectively communicate with Mandarin-speaking clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple local teams to ensure smooth daily operation.
• Manage bank accounts and payment operations for multiple entities.
• Collaborate closely with Finance, Risk, and Compliance stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related discipline

Job description

About the Role

Settlement Operations Center Manager leads the local settlement operation centre function while orchestrating cross‑border collaboration with other regional centres. The role is accountable for day‑to‑day operations including process improvement and the design and rollout of settlement standards and compliance frameworks, ensuring accuracy, reliability and regulatory compliance across multiple geographies and time zones.

Key Responsibilities

Lead multiple local teams to ensure smooth daily operation and coordinate cross‑border handoffs.

Own the centre's performance metrics end‑to‑end (KPI/OKR) to set targets, review dashboards and drive continuous improvement.

Manage bank accounts and payment operations for multiple entities/funds with proper authorization, segregation of duties and control checks.

Ensure adherence to banking/payment regulatory requirements and internal policies; support audits and remediation activities.

Collaborate closely with Finance, Risk, and Compliance stakeholders; escalates issues and communicates status proactively.

Undertake other settlement‑related tasks as required.

Coordinate regional coverage, including 24/7 where applicable, incident response and stakeholder communications.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related discipline.

5–7+ years experience in settlement/cash/fund operations within the banking or financial industry.

Proven leadership experience managing teams of at least 20+ people, including coaching, performance management and workforce planning.

Demonstrated ability to lead both local teams and international teams.

Knowledge of global clearing/settlement processes, systems and compliance requirements; hands‑on with controls and risk mitigation.

Excellent communication, stakeholder management and problem‑solving skills; able to deliver in a fast‑paced environment.

Fluent in English and Mandarin to effectively communicate with Mandarin‑speaking clients (written and spoken).

Preferred Attributes

Experience coordinating 24/7 operations across regions and time zones.

Exposure to cross‑border payment platforms, regional settlement systems and system migrations/automation projects.