An elite Tier-1 global investment bank seeks a VP, Front-Office IT in Hong Kong to lead core Java OMS and trade execution system optimisation. Leading a high-performing engineering team, you will drive low-latency architectural designs, FIX protocol connectivity, and SFC/HKMA-compliant trading infrastructure, whilst reporting directly to global heads.
about the company.Our client is a highly prestigious, Tier-1 global investment bank with a dominant market presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Renowned for its world-class financial technology and innovative trading platforms, the organisation provides an exceptionally collaborative, high-performance environment that champions technical excellence, continuous learning, and global career mobility.
about the team.You will lead a dynamic, highly collaborative front-office engineering team that partners closely with global equities and derivatives trading desks, quantitative analysts, and infrastructure groups. The team culture is fast-paced, intellectually stimulating, and technically rigorous, focused on delivering cutting-edge, low-latency execution solutions.
about the job.As a VP of Front-Office IT, you will:
Lead the architectural design, development, and optimisation of core Java services powering pre-trade validation, order routing, and execution workflows within the core Order Management System (OMS).
Oversee the full software development life cycle (SDLC), from gathering front-office user requirements and drafting technical specifications to hands-on Java coding, rigorous testing, and production deployment.
Manage key relationships with equity trading desks, middle-office teams, risk management, and infrastructure groups to address system change requests and customisations.
Coordinate with external software vendors (such as Fidessa) on major system upgrades, integration projects, and regulatory changes.
Direct the construction and maintenance of high-performance trading linkages and regional exchange interfaces.
Take ultimate responsibility for diagnosing and resolving complex Level 2/3 production issues to ensure high system availability during APAC trading hours.
Enforce institutional engineering standards, development frameworks, and IT governance protocols, including robust change control and SFC/HKMA regulatory policies.
Minimum of 8 years of hands-on software development and leadership experience within an investment banking, global markets, or buy-side trading environment.
Expertise in core Java development, including deep knowledge of multi-threading, concurrency, low-latency execution, memory management, and advanced data structures.
Proven track record developing, managing, and supporting Order Management Systems (OMS) with a focus on pre-trade risk checks, order state engines, and execution routing.
Expert knowledge of FIX protocol messaging, exchange connectivity, and broker routing networks.
Familiarity with algorithmic trading strategies, low-touch/high-touch workflows, and integrating standard vendor trading platforms.
Strong functional understanding of Cash Equities, Futures, Swaps, Options, and associated financial market rules.
Deep expertise in relational databases and SQL, specifically MSSQL Server and Sybase.
Basic familiarity with Python scripting for automation or data analysis.
Experience working with automated testing, Maven, and standard ALM/SDLC tools (such as Jira, Bamboo, Bitbucket, and Confluence).
Practical experience supporting cross-border/back-to-back trading systems across APAC, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and US markets is highly desirable.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with professional fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
If you are interested in this role, please click 'Apply Now' or send your CV directly to allison.lin@randstad.com.hk.
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