VFD Group – hiring Managing Director – Split Custodian Limited

JOB PURPOSE

• The Managing Director will provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership for Split Custodian Limited, driving the organisation from its establishment and foundational development stage into a fully operational, commercially successful and profitable financial services business.
• Split Custodian Limited is a technology-enabled custody and registrar services business focused on providing solutions for digital, real-world and alternative assets.
• The role holder will be responsible for completing the company’s regulatory and operational readiness, securing the necessary regulatory approvals, overseeing the deployment of its custody technology platform, developing strategic partnerships, attracting clients, growing Assets Under Custody (AUC), and establishing a sustainable revenue and profitability model.
• The successful candidate will combine entrepreneurial thinking with strong financial services experience, commercial acumen, regulatory understanding and execution capabilities to build and scale the business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Strategic Leadership and Business Development

• Develop and execute the company’s business strategy, translating the Board’s strategic direction into actionable business plans and measurable objectives.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities across traditional financial markets, digital assets, real-world assets and alternative investment markets.
• Develop and implement strategies to establish Split Custodian as a competitive player in the custody and registrar services industry.
• Drive business development initiatives, secure strategic clients and expand the company’s market presence.
• Identify new products, services and revenue streams to support business growth and long-term sustainability.
• Monitor industry trends, market developments and competitor activities to identify opportunities and maintain competitive advantage.

B. Regulatory and Operational Readiness

• Lead the completion of the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ensure the business meets all regulatory, licensing, governance and operational requirements necessary to commence and sustain operations.
• Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies, procedures, internal controls and service delivery frameworks.
• Drive the deployment, testing and operational readiness of the company’s custody and registrar technology platform.
• Establish appropriate custody arrangements, processes and controls to safeguard client assets and ensure operational integrity.
• Ensure the business maintains adequate operational infrastructure, systems and resources to support its commercial objectives.

C. Commercial Growth and Revenue Generation

• Develop and execute the company’s commercial and revenue generation strategy.
• Drive client acquisition, retention and relationship management across institutional and other target customer segments.
• Grow Assets Under Custody (AUC), transaction volumes, market share and overall revenue.
• Develop competitive pricing models and commercial propositions that align with market opportunities and business objectives.
• Build and manage a sustainable sales pipeline, ensuring effective conversion of opportunities into revenue-generating relationships.
• Monitor financial performance, manage operating costs and implement strategies to achieve profitability.
• Prepare and manage the company’s annual budget, financial forecasts and business performance targets.

D. Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with capital market operators, financial institutions, asset managers, investment platforms, fintechs and digital asset ecosystem participants.
• Establish partnerships that strengthen the company’s market positioning, service offerings and commercial reach.
• Represent the company in industry engagements, regulatory discussions, business forums and stakeholder meetings.
• Maintain effective relationships with regulators, investors, shareholders, service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Negotiate and structure strategic commercial partnerships that support the company’s growth objectives.

E. Corporate Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong corporate governance structures and ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations and industry standards.
• Work closely with the Board and relevant committees to ensure effective oversight, accountability and strategic alignment.
• Oversee the implementation of robust enterprise risk management, compliance and internal control frameworks.
• Ensure appropriate measures are in place to manage operational, financial, regulatory, technology, cybersecurity and reputational risks.
• Promote a strong culture of ethical conduct, transparency, accountability and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure the protection, security and integrity of client assets and confidential information.

F. Financial and Operational Management

• Provide overall oversight of the company’s financial and operational performance.
• Ensure efficient allocation and utilisation of financial, technological and human resources.
• Drive operational efficiency, service quality and continuous improvement across business functions.
• Establish appropriate performance management systems, reporting structures and operational KPIs.
• Review business performance regularly and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure the company operates within approved budgets and achieves its financial and operational objectives.

G. People Leadership and Organisational Development

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing team with the technical expertise and commercial capabilities required to execute the company’s strategy.
• Establish a performance-driven culture anchored on accountability, innovation, collaboration and excellence.
• Define the organisational structure, workforce requirements and talent acquisition priorities in line with business growth.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development to key management personnel.
• Drive succession planning and organisational capability development to support business sustainability.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Banking, Law or any other relevant discipline.
• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Relevant professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CFA, CISI or other recognised financial services certifications will be an advantage.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 12 years’ relevant experience in financial services, banking, capital markets, asset management, custody services or financial market infrastructure.
• At least five (5) years in a senior management or executive leadership position.
• Demonstrable experience in building, scaling or growing a financial services business.
• Proven track record of business development, revenue generation, client acquisition and commercial performance.
• Experience managing strategic partnerships and high-value institutional relationships.
• Strong understanding of financial services regulation, corporate governance, compliance and operational risk management.
• Experience in custody operations, registrar services, digital assets, fintech or regulated financial services businesses will be a significant advantage.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate must demonstrate:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and execute business strategies that deliver sustainable growth.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of revenue generation, business development, financial performance and profitability drivers.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Ability to identify opportunities, navigate uncertainty and build a business from its foundational stages.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of SEC regulations, Nigerian capital markets and applicable financial services regulatory frameworks.
• Industry Expertise: Knowledge of custody, asset management, capital markets, financial infrastructure and emerging digital asset markets.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and sustain relationships with senior executives, regulators, institutional clients and strategic partners.
• Financial Management: Competence in budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and performance management.
• Risk Management: Ability to establish and maintain effective governance, compliance and operational risk management frameworks.
• Execution Excellence: Strong project management, decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
• People Leadership: Ability to attract, inspire, develop and retain high-performing talent.
• Communication and Negotiation: Excellent presentation, interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.