Head of APAC Algo Product

ABOUT INSTINET

As the agency-model execution services arm of the Nomura Group, Instinet Incorporated subsidiaries provide brokerage services to clients in over 65 markets around the world. Through its advanced suite of electronic trading strategies, experienced high-touch trading group, top-ranked Commission Management services, award-winning desktop trading platform, and unparalleled access to insightful analytics, content and unique liquidity, Instinet helps institutions lower overall trading costs and ultimately improve investment performance. In the US, Instinet also offers a boutique-model Equity Research offering to assist their clients in the pursuit of alpha generation in a changing landscape. Over the course of its 50+ year history, Instinet has introduced a range of now industry-standard trading technologies and has been an innovator at the forefront of the market's evolution. For more information, please visit www.instinet.com.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead our equities algorithmic trading product initiatives across the APAC region. This role requires a deep understanding of market microstructure and agency algorithms, combined with strong project management capabilities, excellent communication skills and proven ability to deliver measurable ROI from development investments. The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders, trading functions, quants, strats and development teams to drive product innovation and enhancement to the Instinet and Nomura algorithmic trading business. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with local stakeholders, strats and trading functions to define regional and global delivery roadmap


• Manage relationships with senior trading functions, sales teams, and institutional clients across APAC, delivering regular updates to global and local management on product performance and roadmap progress


• Maintain comprehensive competitive intelligence and market landscape analysis for APAC equity markets, monitoring market microstructure developments and regulatory changes


• Define and track key performance indicators for product success, execute internal marketing campaigns for new features, and facilitate communication between global product teams and local stakeholders


• Oversee complex multi-team projects from conception through delivery, manage product lifecycle including feature enhancement and deprecation planning, and collaborate with Global Electronic Services product management team to leverage common tools and best practices


• Work directly with existing clients in an Execution Consulting capacity to help them better use our products and help us build more suitable products for the client.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCES ASSESSMENT

• Deep understanding of equity market structure, order flow dynamics, and execution algorithms across APAC markets, with proven track record working with agency execution strategies including TWAP, VWAP, and implementation shortfall algorithms


• Strong analytical skills for evaluating algorithm performance, market impact, and execution quality metrics


• Demonstrated success managing and delivering large-scale, cross-functional projects involving multiple teams and stakeholders


• Proven ability to establish frameworks for measuring and validating return on investment for development initiatives


• Excellent stakeholder management capabilities with senior executives, trading desks, and institutional clients


• Strong written and verbal communication skills to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences


• Cross-cultural competency and experience working across different cultures and time zones within the APAC region


• Minimum 10 years experience in financial services with focus on electronic trading or algorithmic execution, plus 5+ years in product management within capital markets technology

JOB KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

• A deep knowledge of the Asian equities market micro-structure and strategies;

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related quantitative field required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD) preferred, particularly in quantitative disciplines


• Professional certifications such as CFA or FRM considered advantageous

• High-frequency trading experience preferred, e.g. in market making, proprietary, or possibly agency space;


• Experience with large-scale data analysis beneficial;

• Proficiency in market data analysis and trading system architecture, understanding of FIX protocol, market data feeds, and electronic trading infrastructure


• Familiarity with programming languages commonly used in quantitative finance (Python, R, C++, SQL) and knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting algorithmic trading in APAC markets


• Proven ability to influence and lead without direct authority, strong negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities


• Experience mentoring team members and managing P&L or budget responsibility for product development initiatives

Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively across diverse teams

CULTURE & CONDUCT

Instinet is committed to conducting its business with honesty and integrity and expects its staff to maintain high standards, act within the law, applicable codes of practice, and to apply the highest possible operating/business ethics in all areas of its activities. As part of the Nomura Group, Instinet staff are required to comply with the Nomura Code of Conduct (“the Code”). The Code explains the Nomura Group’s Corporate Philosophy, it embodies our mission to contribute to society through our expertise in the services we provide to our clients and our vision to become a trusted partner.  The Code sets out guidelines for Instinet staff to translate the Nomura Group Corporate Philosophy into actions.

Instinet reflects on our actions to ensure that they are in line with the Code. We promise clients and other stakeholders that we will uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity under the Code and we carry out all of our business activities based on the Code.  The three main areas of the Code are:

Working for Instinet means that you have a big part to play in supporting the culture and conduct for Instinet’s business, with support from your line manager and the senior management team.  You are responsible for ensuring that you are fully aware of and adhere to internal policies that relate to you, your business or other businesses for which you have any level of responsibility.  In addition:

You are responsible for managing, controlling, and escalating risks to management within the scope of your position;

You are required to act with integrity and apply due skill, care and diligence in carrying out your duties.  Your actions should always be able to satisfy high standards of consideration integrity;

You must observe proper standards of market conduct.  Responsibility to ensure that you take reasonable steps to be fully aware of, understand and comply with all regulatory requirements from all regulatory bodies that are applicable to your business;

You are required to understand and comply with Instinet’s operational policies and procedures as they apply to your role and responsibilities and ensure that Instinet always pays due regard to its customer’s interest and treats them fairly; and,

You are required to endorse and grow Instinet’s Compliance and Risk culture in order to manage and mitigate Conduct Risk.  Conduct Risk for Instinet means inappropriate behaviour which may damage Instinet, its clients, its staff or the trust and integrity of markets, or which delivers unfair outcomes for its clients and staff through direct/indirect contact/action, or omission. Conduct Risk includes the managing of conflicts of interest.