Specialist, Issuer & IPO Services

      JOB SUMMARY / INTRODUCTION

The Specialist, Issuer & IPO Services supports the effective management and operational delivery of all Issuer Services and IPO related activities, ensuring seamless front-to-back processing, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders. The role contributes to the issuance and lifecycle management of securities, including trade capture, matching, settlement, ISIN creation, listing coordination, and the administration of corporate actions such as dividends, redemptions, and interest payments. The position plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency of time-critical and high-value transactions, including payments to issuers, depositories, and market participants. It supports the governance of share registrar operations covering dematerialization, listing, recordkeeping, and shareholder-related activities while maintaining strict adherence to policies, market regulations, and service standards. The role also contributes to operational planning, resource coordination, and process optimization to strengthen risk management, enhance client satisfaction, and drive continuous improvement. It collaborates closely with internal business teams, IT support, regulators, financial markets, and external stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of projects, system enhancements, regulatory reporting, and operational initiatives.

           KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Funds application subscription and redemption processes across local and international platforms.
• Contribute to the management of client invoicing, booking, billing, and VAT collection activities.
• Handle and monitor standing orders with financial markets for corporate dividend distributions.
• Coordinate integration activities covering business requirements, UAT, data migration, and cutover planning.
• Oversee customer service functions related to Issuer Services and IPO operations, ensuring timely supervision of all inquiries.
• Collaborate with the Business team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and effective communication with business owners.
• Supervise registrar services for corporate clients, including dematerialization and listing processes with financial markets.
• Manage the processing lifecycle for IPOs, allotments, rights issues, and refunds related to public offerings.
• Optimize and supervise the efficiency and quality of Issuer Services & IPO operations.
• Oversee daily share registrar processes to ensure adherence to best practices, SLA compliance, timely escalation, and completion of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support recruitment, coordination, and training of IPO temporary staff.
• Perform maker/authorizer responsibilities on the Core Banking System (CBS) for transaction preparation and approval.
• Monitor daily operations of OTC and listed companies engaged in share registrar service agreements.
• Oversee ADX/DFM dividend payments, account transfers, cheque disbursements, and the printing and dispatch of AGM/EGM notices.
• Coordinate with ITD to develop or acquire secure and compliant systems that meet the bank’s operational and security requirements, ensuring efficient STP.
• Oversee the team’s handling of inquiries and correspondence from customers, courts, the Central Bank, and financial markets regarding shareholder holdings.
• Lead weekly and monthly meetings with staff to review ongoing processes, performance, and potential challenges.
• Monitor Issuer and IPO Services operations to ensure maximum operational efficiency and delivery of expected outcomes.
• Manage end-to-end share registrar services for new and existing companies, including dematerialization for ADX and DFM.
• Coordinate operational planning and resource management for public and private sector clients.
• Review and authorize team activities as required to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely completion.
• Ensure all team tasks are completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Identify risks arising from transactions or recurring issues, escalate them appropriately, and implement mitigation measures.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to protect and enhance the bank’s reputation.
• Provide high-quality internal and external customer service, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
• Participate in planning the relevant departmental roles in the flotation process.
• Coordinate with IT, Policy & Procedures, Admin, Audit, and Branches to implement operational plans, ensuring availability of required systems and resources.
• Work closely with external auditors to finalize and reconcile flotation results.
• Manage registrar-related requests and requirements for PJC companies.
• Participate in meetings with companies and auditors to define flotation prospectuses and application forms.
• Contribute to drafting proposals and improving procedures for new business opportunities within Issuer Services.

• Complete all tasks assigned by AVP/SVP promptly and with high accuracy.

   

   

  REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Banking & Finance, accounting or related discipline.

• 5 years’ relevant experience in the banking sector with at least 3 years in similar positions of progressively increasing managerial responsibilities in the Issuer Operation function.

   

   

  Preferred / Beneficial

• Knowledge of operations risks and controls within Issuer Services Operations is an advantage.

   

   

  Skills

• Ability to perform reviews or processes and identify issues/gaps.
• Strong influence/negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English and aptitude in communicating with senior management.
• Creative, innovative, dynamic, high-energy levels with strong initiative.
• Proficient in MS Office products, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excel Macro and AI tools.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines as part of a team.
• Exhibit good attention to detail while focused on delivery.
• Ability to work on several initiatives concurrently and cope with changes in priorities.