Regulatory Solutions CASS Product Oversight & Governance - Associate (Edinburgh/London)

About this role

Regulatory Solutions is a growing team who deliver a combination of end-to-end operations, oversight, metrics, and cross functional change management for many of the largest and most complex regulations impacting BlackRock and its clients. This is an exciting time within Regulatory Solutions with implementation of new regulations and the opportunities to drive our business forward by delivering risk-based regulatory solutions. The successful candidates will play a meaningful role in that evolution.

The CASS Governance & Oversight ("CGO") Team within BlackRock’s Regulatory Solutions function focuses on ensuring that BlackRock adheres to the client money and assets regulations (“CASS”) imposed by the UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). We are committed to delivering and driving CASS excellence!

This full time Associate role will primarily be focused upon delivering CASS reporting and quality management information to tight deadlines. The Associate will oversee and mentor the more junior Analyst CASS resource in Mumbai with a view to leading initiatives that help automate and streamline processes and controls to introduce efficiencies and improvements. They will be responsible for ensuring high quality, accurate reporting within the team. The role will provide excellent exposure to BlackRock’s business and provide a great platform for the Associate to develop CASS subject matter knowledge. Tasks will include:

• The ongoing review and management of client money records and bank accounts
• Daily production of client money books and records and reconciliations within the mandatory timescales.
• The ongoing management of CASS 8 mandate listing and records.
• Completing & reviewing the monthly client money & asset return (“CMAR”) to be presented to the Head of CASS
• Promptly raise any exceptions and discrepancies in relation to any CASS reporting in-line with procedures.
• Investigate and resolve queries and issues in collaboration with business partners in a timely manner, escalating to management where required.
• Analyse trends in errors and issues to find opportunities for process & control improvements.
• Ensure issues are accurately documented, root cause is analysed and that appropriate remedial steps are clearly defined and assigned to mitigate risks.
• Supporting all audit related activity, such as sourcing and interrogating audit sample requests as well as responding to queries from auditors
• Deliver effective management information (“MI”) for business partners at various levels within the organisation
• Support in organizing and minuting the CASS Governance Committee
• Maintaining the BlackRock CASS risk & control framework.
• Prepare and maintain procedures, processes and controls for the team.
• Maintaining the firm’s CASS Resolution Packs (“CASS RP”) under CASS 10.
• Producing and issuing client money statements each quarter under CASS 9.
• Support management with project activity and continuous improvement initiatives where required.
• Use your creativity and initiative to develop improvements to the firms CASS management reporting and introduce automation and other time saving initiatives where possible.

Essential

• A high proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• A results-focused and dynamic work ethic with a passion for problem solving
• The ability to build and effectively manage relationships
• Understanding of risks and controls within a financial services environment
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to prioritize the most critical business issues
• An ability to distill detailed information into high quality MI
• Strong planning, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Intellectual curiosity and the desire to take initiative and deliver results
• Ability to work well in a team environment whilst also confident in working unsupervised
• Ability to meet deadlines, multitask and be initiative-taking within a high pressure environment
• Minimum 2-5 years Financial Services experience
• Experience producing and reviewing client money (CASS 7) and mandate (CASS 8) records and reconciliations
• Knowledge of the FCA Client Assets Sourcebook alongside its practical application as it applies to asset management
• Report on workload progress to the manager, escalating any obstacles that prevent delivery workload
• Proactively seek opportunities to improve business processes, with a lens on risk management and mitigation

• A proven track record of delivering and enhancing processes, systems and controls
• An ability to leverage tools such as GenAI, robotics and macro coding to automate tasks and introduce efficiencies
• Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) or similar qualification incl. CASS module

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.