Role Summary

You will be responsible for the establishment, development and leadership of the Singapore-based asset management ‘hub’ which will play a key role in QNB’s forthcoming global asset management (‘AM’) business.

The Singapore unit will initially be modest in size. Nevertheless, it will be a full-service asset management unit with the Head of Asset Management having full executive responsibility for the creation and management of Asia-based funds.

In addition, you will be responsible for the distribution of investment products/funds sourced from elsewhere within the QNB Group network – and externally.  As such, you will be responsible for the delivery of budgeted and agreed annual revenues, in accordance with management’s expectations. 

The Head of Asset Management will be responsible for ensuring that the Singapore AM unit conducts its business, at all times, in accordance with QNB Group policies, procedures, standards and regulatory obligations. The incumbent will lead (and, in all respects, take responsibility for) the professionalism and business success of all members of the Singapore AM team

Role Description

Prepare the strategic and business development plans for the Singapore AM function.

Execute the Singapore AM element of the AWMG business plan, thereby delivering the budgeted and agreed volume, revenue, and profit targets.

Apply AWMG Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’), in order to monitor product performance, quality control, and the contributions of individual AM team members.

Apply best management practices across all AM-related activities/ operations, thereby ensuring efficient workflow and associated customer satisfaction.

Propose pricing structures/policies (to the Singapore Investment Management Committee) in respect of Singapore-manufactured/distributed AM products and services.

Identify and develop new business opportunities, in co-operation with other divisional heads, thereby facilitating further business growth.

Conduct a monthly review/analysis of the AM unit’s financial performance, and address any adverse variance with the AGM AM and the GM Singapore.

Demonstrate a clear capacity for visionary leadership – especially in the light of a self-evident need to ‘network’ effectively with relevant others, as the global AM business develops.  

Originate and maintain effective client relationships.

Recommend value-added, AM/investment solutions to existing/potential clients, with the aim of meeting/exceeding clients’ expectations.

Seek to co-operate with selected partner institutions, with the purpose of co-creating/founding investment funds.

Build effective relationships with other relevant and associated entities (including custodians, auditors, trustees, asset managers) in order to acquire the desired network of locally-based supporting functions.

Ensure that the AM unit submits, on demand, timely and accurate reports to external and internal auditors, Group Compliance, and Group Risk.

Closely co-ordinate with the Doha Global AM hub (both in terms of trading and centralized operations) in order to ensure the accurate processing of transactions.

Ensure close engagement with Group Operations in terms of the timely and accurate processing of investment funds’ subscription and redemption documentation

Ensure close engagement with (and support for) the asset managers and research analysts based both in Singapore and elsewhere in the QNB network, in order to enhance service quality and to meet the assigned financial and non-financial objectives.

Provide technical expertise and guidance to the Group’s research analysts/asset managers, as and when required.

Develop proposals to create funds – and make recommendations to the Investment Management Committee.

Be responsible for fund administrative procedures and, in particular, for the preparation of articles of association, placement memoranda, subscription and redemption documentation and so on, in accordance with the requirements imposed by the AGM AM.

Manage the selection process with regard to fund trustees, administrators, custodians, auditors, in accordance with the requirements imposed by the AGM AM.

Carry out periodic monitoring of the Singapore AM portfolio in order to ensure continuing product suitability for individual clients, together with appropriate performance attainment.

Where necessary, implement appropriate remedial measures re: the above, subject to the agreement/approval of the Investment Management Committee.

Supervise the introduction and launch of new Singapore/Asia-based funds.

Recommend the allocation of all assets/funds created, in accordance with the guidelines specified in the AM investment management policy documentation – and in accordance with the articles of association/placement memoranda of the respective funds.

Closely monitor the performance of funds under management and take appropriate remedial action if required.

Ensure that the ‘Treating Customers Fairly’ principle is duly observed by the AM team, at all times – in particular where transaction pricing and execution are concerned.

Where required, validate the Net Asset Value (‘NAV’) calculations provided by the relevant administrators, in connection with all subject managed funds. 

Monitor compliance with the articles of association of each of the created/managed funds.

Review periodic MIS reports in order to validate the unit’s performance.

Develop the policies and procedures governing the activities of the AM unit’s activities.

Monitor compliance with the policies/procedures (applicable to AM) as promulgated by the respective regulators (Qatar Central Bank and the Monetary Authority of Singapore).

Manage, control, monitor, and assume responsibility for the AM unit’s approved risk profile.

Be responsible for the implementation of remedial action in respect of potential control weaknesses or compliance irregularities which might, potentially, be noted by the Group Internal Audit Department, Group Compliance, external auditors, or the regulatory authorities.

Oversee the provision of administrative and operational support to the AM unit’s personnel – including management of the annual leave schedule, training, appraisal, remuneration etc. in accordance with Group HR policies and procedures.

Maintain high standards of client and market confidentiality, at all times, in order to ensure that the principles of ‘best practice’ are properly applied

The referenced position will be based in Singapore and will involve close liaison with the Group Head Office, all Group support functions and with other branches and entities across the QNB international network

Qualification

Bachelor’s Degree – probably in Business, Commerce, Finance, Mathematics, Economics, or a related discipline.

MBA is desirable.

CFA, or equivalent professional qualification is preferred.

8-10 years’ diversified AM experience, of which 3 years must have been in a leadership role in a comparable department

Excellent verbal and written communication skills (including report writing) in English.  

Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.

Good knowledge of the AM business.

Highly developed ‘emotional intelligence’ and associated people management skills.

Understanding and awareness of risk measurement/management techniques and processes.

Detailed understanding of the laws, regulations and practices relating to the provision of AM products and services.

Self-reliant capacity for decision-making and a determination to lead and complete new AM initiatives.

Highly-developed problem solving skills.

Evidence of planning, organisational and analytical skills.

The ability and self-confidence to communicate ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing, to all levels of management.

Experience of leading teams from diverse cultural backgrounds.