Saudi Custody Operating Model Consultant (6‑month contract)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced professional to design an end‑to‑end custody operating model for a Saudi market entry. The role is contract‑based, hybrid, and requires deep knowledge of Saudi capital markets and securities infrastructure.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and document the full Saudi custody operating model in partnership with bank subject‑matter experts.
• Conduct current‑state assessments, identify business, operational and regulatory gaps.
• Facilitate workshops across Product, Operations, Technology, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Finance and Client Service.
• Define target‑state processes, controls, roles and operating procedures.
• Produce process maps, requirements documentation and RACI models.
• Support implementation planning, governance and readiness reviews.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external advisors to validate the design.

Required profile

• Proven experience in Saudi capital markets, especially custody, settlement and asset servicing.
• Track record of operating model design for custody or financial market infrastructure.
• Experience delivering large‑scale market entry, regulatory or transformation programmes.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements into operational capabilities.
• Strong stakeholder management and workshop facilitation skills.

Required skills

• Saudi capital markets knowledge
• Custody operations expertise
• Regulatory compliance understanding (EDAA, Tadawul)

What we offer

• Competitive daily rate (£675‑£800) with holiday pay.
• Hybrid working – up to four days onsite in Manchester or London.
• Six‑month initial contract with potential extension.