Job Description
The Safekeeping Officer is responsible for the secure custody and administration of physical securities and assets, ensuring all holdings are accurately recorded, safeguarded, and maintained in compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. The role involves performing sanctions screening and due diligence checks on incoming transactions and related parties, reviewing and reconciling client and counterparty instructions for completeness and accuracy, and distributing validated instructions to the appropriate operational units for timely processing. The incumbent works closely with internal stakeholders, custodians, and clients to resolve discrepancies, support audit and compliance requirements, mitigate operational risks, and ensure the efficient execution of safekeeping and custody-related activities.
Responsibilities:
- Safekeep and maintain custody of physical securities and other physical assets in accordance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and client agreements.
- Ensure proper receipt, recording, storage, movement, and release of physical securities while maintaining accurate audit trails and custody records.
- Perform sanctions screening and compliance checks on incoming transactions, counterparties, and related documentation in line with regulatory and internal compliance requirements.
- Review and reconcile incoming instructions against supporting documentation, account records, and system information to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Validate and distribute transaction instructions, notifications, and documentation to the appropriate operational teams for timely processing.
- Conduct daily and periodic reconciliations of physical securities holdings, inventory records, and custody positions to identify and resolve discrepancies promptly.
- Monitor outstanding instructions, exceptions, and breaks, ensuring timely investigation, follow-up, and resolution.
- Coordinate with internal departments, clients, custodians, brokers, and external counterparties on safekeeping-related matters and operational inquiries.
- Ensure all safekeeping activities are performed in compliance with regulatory requirements, operational procedures, risk controls, and service level agreements.
- Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews by providing required documentation and evidence in a timely manner.
- Maintain accurate records and management reports relating to physical asset inventory, reconciliation status, and operational risk incidents.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and contribute to the enhancement of operational efficiency, controls, and client service quality.
- Works closely with peers and product to develop solutions that will enable team to meet the mission statements of the department and create dynamic MIS
- Participates in system testing
- Maintains awareness of product changes and system enhancements
- Assists team member during periods of high volume work, provides back-up coverage, and performs other duties as assigned by supervisor
- Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Banking, or a related field.
- Minimum 2-5 years of relevant experience in Custody Operations, Asset Servicing, Securities Services, or Financial Services Operations.
- Solid knowledge of at least one or more of the following areas: Asset Servicing (Corporate Actions), Cash Processing, Foreign Exchange (FX), Securities Settlement, and Custody Operations.
- Good understanding of post-trade processing, operational controls, reconciliation processes, and risk management practices.
- Experience in reviewing, analyzing, and documenting business requirements, including the ability to prepare Business Requirement Documents (BRD).
- Proven ability to identify process improvement opportunities and initiate or support operational and technology enhancement projects.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including PivotTables, data analysis, reporting, and reconciliation.
- Experience with data analysis and the ability to interpret operational data to support decision-making and process improvements.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across Operations, Technology, Compliance, and Business teams.
- Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and perform under tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading or participating in process automation, system implementation, or transformation initiatives.
- Knowledge of SWIFT messages, market practices, and custody/asset servicing platforms.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies and UAT testing processes.
Education
- Bachelor’s/University degree or equivalent experience
Job Family Group
Operations - Transaction Services
Job Family
Asset Servicing
Time Type
Full time
Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.
Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.
Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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