Securities Operations Specialist (Japanese Equities) - Alpaca Japan

Your Role:

Alpaca Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of Alpaca, a U.S.-based fintech group, is registered as a Type I Financial Instruments Business Operator with the Kanto Regional Finance Bureau. We provide securities trading infrastructure and operational services to financial institutions in Japan.

As our business and product offerings continue to expand, we are seeking a Securities Operations Specialist to oversee back-office operations, primarily for Japanese equity trading.

In this role, you will be responsible for a broad range of day-to-day brokerage operations, including settlement, cash movements, position and balance reconciliation, corporate actions, and customer account administration. You will also work closely with global teams and external stakeholders to ensure accurate and stable operations and continuously improve operational processes.

We are looking for someone who can proactively identify issues, take ownership, and collaborate effectively with relevant stakeholders in a fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end back-office operations for Japanese equity trading, including post-trade processing, clearing and settlement, delivery of securities and funds, deposits and withdrawals, and position and cash reconciliation
• Manage customer account opening and ongoing account administration
• Oversee the segregation of customer assets and prepare or review statutory books and records, customer statements, and regulatory reports
• Manage corporate actions, including dividends, stock splits, and shareholder benefits, as well as related tax and withholding operations
• Coordinate with counterparties, clearing and settlement institutions, custodians, and other external stakeholders
• Handle and escalate operational issues, exceptions, and trade discrepancies
• Establish and improve operational processes, procedures, and internal control frameworks
• Communicate in English with global teams, including teams based in the United States

Qualifications (required):

• At least three years of hands-on experience in Japanese equity back-office operations at a securities firm, with practical knowledge of areas such as post-trade processing, clearing and settlement, cash and position management, securities accounting, customer accounts, segregation of customer assets, and corporate actions
• Understanding of the Japanese securities market and its clearing and settlement framework, including the Japan Securities Depository Center (JASDEC)
• Practical experience with, or knowledge of, statutory books and records and regulatory reporting
• Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English. English proficiency must be sufficient for business communications by email and chat, reviewing documents, and participating in meetings
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities accurately, take initiative, and work effectively with relevant stakeholders

Qualifications (preferred):

• JSDA Internal Control Manager qualification
• Knowledge of Japan-specific account structures and tax regimes, including NISA and specified brokerage accounts
• Middle and back-office experience with Japanese and foreign equities, particularly Japanese equities
• Experience launching new services or establishing and improving operational frameworks
• Experience working in a startup or other fast-paced environment
• Experience improving operational efficiency, including through system changes

Language Requirements:

• Ability to perform business responsibilities in both Japanese and English

Work Conditions:

• Full-time employee
• In-office attendance is required for system access around three times a week.