Derivative Clearing Operations – Associate

Location: Tokyo-To, Japan

Job Family: Trade Lifecycle

About the Role

Join JP Morgan Chase's dynamic Derivatives Operations team in Tokyo as a Derivative Clearing Operations Associate. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the trade lifecycle management of complex derivative products in one of the world's leading financial hubs. As part of our global operations, you will play a key role in ensuring seamless clearing, settlement, and risk mitigation for clients engaging in swaps, options, futures, and other OTC derivatives. Working within the Category of Trade Lifecycle, you will support JP Morgan's commitment to operational excellence and regulatory compliance in the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborative teamwork to drive efficiency and innovation in financial services. In this position, you will handle daily responsibilities such as trade confirmation, margin processing, and reconciliation, while interfacing with internal stakeholders including traders, risk managers, and compliance officers. You will also contribute to enhancing operational processes through automation and data analytics, ensuring adherence to Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) guidelines as well as international standards like those from the Bank for International Settlements. The role demands a proactive approach to resolving discrepancies and managing collateral, all while maintaining the high standards of accuracy and timeliness that define JP Morgan Chase's reputation in derivatives clearing. At JP Morgan Chase, we value diverse perspectives and invest in our associates' growth through comprehensive training and career development programs. This Associate-level position is ideal for professionals passionate about the financial industry, offering exposure to global markets and the chance to advance within a prestigious institution. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are eager to make an impact on derivative operations in Japan, we encourage you to apply and become part of our innovative team shaping the future of financial services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end trade lifecycle for derivative products, including confirmation, valuation, and settlement
• Ensure accurate booking and reconciliation of trades in JP Morgan's internal systems and with counterparties
• Collaborate with front office, risk management, and compliance teams to mitigate operational risks
• Monitor and resolve trade breaks, margin calls, and collateral management issues in real-time
• Support regulatory reporting requirements for derivatives clearing in Japan and cross-border jurisdictions
• Contribute to process enhancements and automation initiatives to improve efficiency in the Derivatives Operations team
• Handle client inquiries and provide operational support for derivative clearing services
• Conduct daily reconciliations and perform quality checks on trade data to maintain accuracy
• Participate in disaster recovery and business continuity planning for operations in Tokyo
• Stay updated on market developments and regulatory changes impacting derivative clearing

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in derivatives operations, trade lifecycle management, or clearing services within the financial services industry
• Strong understanding of derivative products including swaps, options, futures, and their clearing processes
• Proficiency in Japanese and English languages, with business-level fluency in both
• Knowledge of relevant regulations such as those from the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan and international standards like EMIR or Dodd-Frank
• Experience with trade confirmation, settlement, and reconciliation in a fast-paced banking environment
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a global team setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced certification such as CFA, FRM, or equivalent in derivatives or risk management
• Prior experience at a major financial institution like JP Morgan Chase or similar in Asia-Pacific operations
• Familiarity with clearing systems such as JSCC (Japan Securities Clearing Corporation) or international CCPs
• Hands-on experience with automation tools for trade processing and data management
• Demonstrated project management skills in operational improvements or system implementations

Required Skills

• Proficiency in derivative product knowledge and clearing mechanics
• Expertise in trade lifecycle processes from execution to settlement
• Strong analytical skills for reconciliation and error resolution
• Technical proficiency in financial systems like Murex, Calypso, or JP Morgan's proprietary platforms
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data handling
• Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving abilities in high-pressure environments
• Knowledge of risk management principles in derivatives
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in financial markets
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data visualization tools
• Team-oriented mindset with adaptability to global time zones
• Project management skills for operational initiatives
• Japanese market-specific knowledge including local regulations
• Soft skills in client relationship management
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan with generous company matching contributions
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Professional development programs and tuition reimbursement for relevant certifications
• Employee wellness initiatives, including gym memberships and mental health support
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid office options in Tokyo
• Global mobility opportunities within JP Morgan Chase's international network

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.