We are seeking a seasoned and visionary Head of IT to lead the technology strategy, architecture, and execution for our client's innovative greenfield financial services platform, focusing on capital market custodian, settlement, and clearing systems. This role will oversee end-to-end technology operations, including application development, infrastructure, IT support, and cybersecurity, while also acting as a key business partner managing relationships with executives, operations teams, external vendors, and technology experts.
You will be based in Hong Kong, interfacing closely with local and regional stakeholders, and responsible for shaping the long-term technology roadmap aligned with strategic business goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Technology Leadership
- Drive the end-to-end technical leadership for building a new financial platform from the ground up.
- Set the architecture and design direction for enterprise-grade clearing, settlement, and custodian services.
- Oversee infrastructure, development, support, cloud adoption, and security operations.
Architecture & Design
- Own the high-level system architecture design, ensuring scalability, security, and regulatory compliance.
- Evaluate and select technologies and platforms suitable for financial-grade transactional systems.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a strategic partner to the C-suite, Operations, and Product teams, translating business goals into scalable technical solutions.
- Champion strong cross-functional collaboration across departments and technology streams.
Vendor & Partner Management
- Manage vendor selection, SLAs, and long-term relationships with solution providers and system integration partners.
- Collaborate with external technology advisors and domain specialists for domain innovation.
Team Building & Governance
- Build and lead a high-performing IT team with clear KPIs.
- Ensure governance, compliance, and risk controls are embedded into all IT operations.
Operational Management
- Define and manage budgets, procurement, and resourcing of IT services and assets.
- Establish monitoring and support protocols to maintain highly available platforms.
Key Qualifications
- 15+ years of IT leadership experience with a minimum of 5 years in financial services/market infrastructure.
- Deep expertise in custodian, clearing, and settlement systems, preferably within capital markets or securities services.
- Proven track record leading greenfield system builds or large-scale transformation programs.
- Strong command of enterprise architecture, modern technology stacks (API, cloud-native, microservices), and security frameworks.
- Fluent in Cantonese and Chinese (spoken & written); proficiency in English is also required.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills—ability to influence and collaborate with business heads, operations leads, and external stakeholders.
- Strong vendor management and procurement experience.
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related fields.
If this outstanding opportunity sounds like your next career move, please submit through "Apply Now" or send your resume in Word format toDanny Kwanatresume@pinpointasia.comand putHead of Information Technology - Financial Servicesin the subject header.
Data provided is for recruitment purposes only.
_________________________________________________________
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Pinpoint Asia is the go-to Specialist Firm for Technology Recruitment
We are a team of specialist tech recruiters (many of our recruiters come from an IT background) and we serve a wide range of clients, all the way from tech startups (especially FinTech) to some of the top Financial Institutions on Wall Street and several other large scale enterprises in other industries.
Our significant market reputation and status as the leading search firm for many of our clients is a direct result of our strong industry relationships, intimate understanding of the marketplace and proven ability to deliver results.
Our vision isto help companies hire smarter and help job seekers get closer to their career aspirations.
To see all our open jobs please reach out to us at https://pinpointasia.com/job-search/ (EA License #75905)
We are also seeking top-calibre candidates for the following exciting roles:
1) Java Developer - Leading Crypto Exchange
2) HR Business Partner, IT Portfolio
3) Project Officer for Flagship IT Program - Leading Insurance Company