Head of Custody

Sydney CBD | Permanent, Full-Time

- Sydney CBD location, leading a high-performing custody team.
- Genuine opportunity to shape and grow a leading custody function.

About Our Client

We are proud to be partnering with a leading independent financial services organisation that provides a comprehensive range of trustee, custody, fund administration, corporate trust, registry and governance solutions to a diverse portfolio of institutional and investment management clients.

With a strong reputation for technical excellence and client service, our client supports a broad range of domestic and international organisations, including investment managers, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurance companies and banking institutions. Their continued growth has been built on a commitment to integrity, partnership and delivering exceptional outcomes for clients.

As our client continues to evolve, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Custody to lead and develop their custody services capability. The business is undergoing an exciting transformation across its wealth infrastructure sector, creating a unique opportunity for an experienced custody professional to play a key role in shaping the future of the function. This role offers more than just operational leadership; it provides the opportunity to be directly involved in business transformation, change management initiatives, process improvement and technology enhancements as the business continues to strengthen and expand its market-leading capabilities.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Head of Corporate Trustee Services, the Head of Custody will lead the organisation's Custody Services function and be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of custody operations across a diverse portfolio of clients and investment structures.

This role will oversee the safekeeping and administration of scheme assets, custody banking and cash operations, regulatory compliance obligations and custody control frameworks.



You will lead a high-performing team while driving process improvement, operational efficiency and best-practice governance across the function.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced custody professional looking to step into a strategically important leadership position within a growing and highly respected organisation.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the day-to-day delivery of custody services across all client portfolios and schemes.
- Oversee custody services for trustees, responsible entities, and other regulated entities, ensuring assets are held and administered appropriately.
- Maintain ownership of asset safekeeping and segregation processes, including title registration and asset perfection requirements (PPSR, PEXA).
- Manage custody banking and cash operations, including scheme accounts, payment processing, online banking platforms, and RTGS facilities.
- Oversee the execution and custody of legal documentation, including contracts, facility agreements, subscription documents, leases, and transfer forms.
- Own custody compliance and assurance programs, including regulatory reporting, asset verification, and external control audits.
- Manage relationships with global custody providers and correspondent banking partners.
- Maintain a robust custody risk and control framework, including reconciliations, exception management, and segregation of duties.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing custody team.
- Manage budget, resourcing, and operational planning for the custody function.
- Partner with senior stakeholders on transaction execution and current business initiatives.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimisation, system enhancements,



and automation opportunities.

About You

We are seeking a highly collaborative and technically capable custody leader who can successfully navigate a complex regulatory environment while building strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.

To be successful, you will possess:

- Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Law, or a related discipline.
- CA, CPA, or equivalent industry qualifications highly regarded.
- 10+ years' experience within Financial Services, with a strong background in custody, trustee services, fund administration, or funds management operations.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Deep technical knowledge of custody operations, including asset safekeeping, asset segregation, title registration, trust banking, and payment processes.
- Strong understanding of managed investment schemes and trustee/responsible entity obligations.
- Experience managing custody-related compliance, controls, and assurance frameworks, including GS007 or similar audit environments.
- Excellent commercial judgement, analytical capability, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly Excel.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders.

What's on Offer

- Senior leadership position within a highly regarded financial services organisation.
- Opportunity to shape and influence the future direction of the custody function.
- Collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Genuine career development opportunities.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced custody professional looking to take the next step in your leadership career, we would welcome a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity.

Please apply with your CV. A cover letter is welcomed but not essential.

No agencies, please.

📌 Head Of Custody (Sydney)
🏢 Partale Talent
📍 Sydney