UK Funds - Transfer Agency (TA) Distributor Oversight - Associate
J.P. Morgan
London, UK
This is an exciting role reporting to the CASS & Governance Oversight Manager, offering the opportunity to work within a team that oversees the UK TA and Client Service functions delivered through a third-party administrator. The team is also responsible for key governance tasks, including managing the Distributor Due Diligence Questionnaire (DDQ) and Distributor Feedback Template (DFT) processes. The role is well suited to someone with project management experience, as it requires effective coordination of multiple processes and stakeholders, along with strong analytical and organisational skills to ensure smooth and successful operations.
You will be responsible for managing and coordinating the DDQ and DFT processes, as well as overseeing the onboarding of a new service provider to support these activities. The role focuses on refining and enhancing process efficiency and outcomes, ensuring that all regulatory, governance, business and operational requirements are met. As the primary point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in communication and collaboration. This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and development, providing exposure to industry-leading platforms and innovative processes.
Job responsibilities:
Take ownership of the DDQ and DFT processes, optimising, leading, and overseeing the distributor due diligence plan.
Drive continuous improvement and leverage technology to transform distributor oversight and ensure best-in-class due diligence practices.
Enhance the annual DDQ framework, processes, and controls by leveraging a third-party platform to champion digitisation.
Play a critical role in shaping the effectiveness and integrity of our distribution oversight processes, ensuring regulatory and industry best practice, and maintaining alignment across jurisdictions.
Establish and uphold clear procedures, controls, and a governance model to evidence audit requirements.
Manage the day to day relationship with the external vendor to ensure ongoing due diligence, as well as performance monitoring and KPI tracking, are conducted according to the agreed risk criteria and frequency.
Partner with the vendor and internal teams to develop and maintain dashboards and other tools that effectively track and visualise distributor performance.
Oversee the ongoing management of the DFT process, ensuring all key milestones are achieved and maintaining timely communication with both internal stakeholders and distributors.
Analyse both quantitative and qualitative data (such as product sales, complaints, and market alignment) to identify trends, support good client outcomes, and demonstrate compliance.
Prepare clear reports and governance materials for Boards and Committees, highlighting DDQ and DFT metrics and outcomes. Include regular reviews of key indicators and compliance to support informed decisions by senior leadership.
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Monitor and assess the impact of regulatory changes and industry best practice on the existing framework evaluating any potential implications for the firm.
Required qualifications & Skills
Project management – Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate change with a project-oriented mindset, effectively manage timelines and deliverables, and drive initiatives to successful completion.
Analytical skills - Ability to analyse and interpret distribution and compliance data.
Industry knowledge - In-depth knowledge of the UK distributor landscape, distribution processes, data and regulatory requirements.
Best practice expertise - Comprehensive understanding of DDQ best market practice and DFT methodologies.
Client focus - Essential to demonstrate a client centric mindset with a strong commitment to integrity, delivery and responsibility.
Relationship management – Ability to build and maintain partnerships with key external and internal stakeholders who support the UK Funds business, including Sales & Client account Managers.
Communication, influencing and interpersonal skills – Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ownership, Continuous Improvement, and Team Leadership – Demonstrate self-motivation and a strong sense of ownership, actively seeking opportunities for continuous improvement while working collaboratively with the team.
Attention to Detail and Organisation - Keen attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
Time Management - Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and service standards.
J.P. Morgan is a global leader in financial services, providing strategic advice and products to the world’s most prominent corporations, governments, wealthy individuals and institutional investors. Our first-class business in a first-class way approach to serving clients drives everything we do. We strive to build trusted, long-term partnerships to help our clients achieve their business objectives.
J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management delivers industry-leading investment management and private banking solutions. Asset Management provides individuals, advisors and institutions with strategies and expertise that span the full spectrum of asset classes through our global network of investment professionals. Wealth Management helps individuals, families and foundations take a more intentional approach to their wealth or finances to better define, focus and realize their goals.
This is an exciting role reporting to the CASS & Governance Oversight Manager, offering the opportunity to work within a team that oversees the UK TA and Client Service functions delivered through a third-party administrator.
