Associate, Securities Lending Operations

Description

About this role

Team Overview

Technology & Operations(T&O) is responsible for the firm's worldwide operations across all asset classes and geographies. The operational functions are aligned with clients, products, fund structures and our third-party provider networks. Global Investment Operations (GIO), function within T&O, is responsible for the development of the firm's operating infrastructure to support BlackRock's investment businesses worldwide. GIO spans Trading & Market Documentation, Transaction Management, Collateral Management & Payments, Asset Servicing including Corporate Actions and Cash & Asset Operations, and Securities Lending Operations. GIO provides operational service to BlackRock's Portfolio Managers and Traders globally to ensure we provide better service to our end clients

The Securities Lending Operations team works in close alignment with the Securities Lending business, the team plays a key role in the delivery of the Securities Lending product, and in enabling the business to flexibly adapt to emerging business opportunities and client needs. It also has a meaningful role in the risk management process, as well as management of internal and external service providers. The team handles several key facets of the post-trade securities loan process, including trade support, collateral management, sufficiency management, settlement and reconciliation. As a Securities Lending Operations Associate, you'll work closely with colleagues globally - other operations specialists, traders, product managers, business analysts, risk managers, IT developers and client-facing teams - to support existing and new trading strategies, improve technology and reporting, and develop new products and services. You'll have a chance to create an impact by enabling the business to capitalize on special lending opportunities, improving performance and efficiency, supporting the onboarding of new inventory and the expansion of relationships with clients, borrowers and service providers.

Role Responsibility
- Manage and ensure timely loan and return settlement in all markets and resolve related issues daily.
- Ensure appropriate collateral is agreed and transacted with counterparties daily. Calculate margin requirements to ensure compliance with internal and client guidelines, and provide reporting to auditors, management and clients.
- Ensure sufficiency management is reviewed with appropriate actions taken to mitigate securities lending risks to client investment portfolios.
- Follow established procedures and perform appropriate controls (including cash, security and collateral reconciliations), while exercising good judgment in managing risk and following escalation procedures.
- Coordinate and manage internal and external service provider relationships - ensure successful delivery of contracted services, proactively address and problem solve, build and adapt service level standards and agreements to meet the evolving needs of the business.
- Build and maintain close relationships and partnerships with Securities Lending and other BlackRock colleagues (trading desk, product managers, technology teams, etc.), as well as with external service providers, custodians and counterparties.
- Develop expertise in local market practices through experience, training, classes and outside research, to ensure best of class service.
- Support the continued evolution of the Securities Lending technology platform and global process model. Participate in projects as they relate to broader business product and system development, as well as process re-design and improvement.
- Seek to influence the change of the marketplace through participation in industry associations and vendor initiatives.

Skills & Experience
- 4+ years of experience in middle-office operations/trade support/trade settlements/position controls
- Understanding of financial markets and related instruments (Equities/FI preferred)
- Working knowledge and understanding of securities lending
- Solid regulatory background and strong risk awareness, proceeds of APAC markets regime knowledge is a plus.
- Excellent attention to detail, problem solving/analytical abilities, research skills and able used to a high tempo working style.
- Adaptable communication skills
- PC proficient with experience in Excel in particular
- Strong operational background and the ability to multitask will be essential
- SQL/ Python Programming knowledge would be an advantage to help transform manual touch points and create efficiencies in the various workflows.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration