Lead Citi's Master Reference Data Operations for Japan as Senior Vice President, Head of Master Reference Data Operations, taking ownership of Account Control, Security Coding, and Client Onboarding.  Reporting to the Japan Head of Operations and functionally to Master Reference Data Operations, you will adapt Citi's global reference data processes and platforms to Japan's regulatory and market environment while leading the transition of in-scope processes into Citi's operating model and platforms. This is a significant leadership opportunity to act as a genuine change agent, deepening stakeholder trust and relationships, and shaping how reference data operations run across the Japan market.

 

Responsibilities

 

• Lead Account Control, Security Coding, and Client Onboarding for Citi in Japan, taking full accountability for service delivery, controls, and local regulatory conduct.

• Manage the creation and maintenance of trading and cash accounts, including Standard Settlement Instructions and sanctions screening, for Citi's Japan client base.

• Oversee the setup of new security listings within Citi's reference data platforms, ensuring instruments are available for client trading.

• Coordinate pre-trade client data requirements across jurisdictions to support timely and accurate client onboarding.

• Adapt Citi's global reference data processes and systems, including its Account, Onboarding, and Security Master Central platforms, to meet Japan's regulatory and market requirements.

• Where appropriate, lead the transition of in-scope processes into Citi's offshore operating model, partnering closely with offshore teams to ensure a smooth, controlled migration.

• Maintain compliance with FSA requirements, Japan's anti-money laundering and sanctions screening regulations, and personal information protection law across account, onboarding, and security data processes.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of reference data professionals, strengthening relationships with local business stakeholders.

 

Required Qualifications & Skills

 

• 10 or more years of experience in reference data, account operations, or client onboarding within a global financial institution, with hands-on experience operating in Japan.

• A track record managing account set-up and maintenance, SSI management, and sanctions screening in a regulated markets or banking environment.

• Direct experience with account, entity, or security reference data platforms, along with SWIFT or ISO payment messaging standards.

• Experience adapting global operating models to a local market, and transitioning processes into an offshore operating model.

• People leadership experience, including hiring, coaching, and performance management for a team of 10 or more.

• Business-level Japanese skills, spoken and written, to engage with regulators, clients, and internal stakeholders. 

• Business-level English skills to collaborate with global and regional teams.

 

Beneficial Skills & Qualifications

 

• Working knowledge of Japan's regulatory environment, including FSA requirements, anti-money laundering rules, and personal information protection law, as well as emerging requirements such as Japan's professional investor oversight rules.

• Familiarity with Japan market infrastructure such as JASDEC, BOJ-NET, and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

• Experience operating within a global or regional operating model, partnering with international technology, risk, and compliance teams.

• Prior Operations experience in a global bank in Japan or at a Japanese financial institution.

 

Education

 

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent university qualification is required.

• An advanced degree is a plus.

 

What We Offer

 

Join Citi's global Master Reference Data Operations network, spanning more than 20 countries, and take on a high-visibility leadership role shaping how Citi delivers reference data services to its businesses in Japan.

 

• Lead a senior, high-impact function with direct influence over Citi's Japan reference data operating model.

• Work in a hybrid model with three days in the office and two days working remotely each week.

• Lead global process transformation and operating model initiatives alongside international operations teams.

• Access ongoing learning and development support as part of a global Reference Data network.

• Benefit from programs supporting financial wellbeing and work-life balance.

 

Apply today to lead Citi's Master Reference Data Operations in Japan and help shape how global standards translate into local impact.

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Job Family Group:

Operations - Services

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Job Family:

Reference Data Services

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Time Type:

Full time

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Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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