Assistant Vice President, IT Security Specialist

About CLS:

CLS is the trusted party at the centre of the global FX ecosystem. Utilized by thousands of counterparties, CLS makes FX safer, smoother and more cost effective. Trillions of dollars’ worth of currency flows through our systems each day.

Created by the market for the market, our unrivalled global settlement infrastructure reduces systemic risk and provides standardization for participants in many of the world’s most actively traded currencies. We deliver huge efficiencies and savings for our clients: in fact, our approach to multilateral netting shrinks funding requirements by over 96% on average, so clients can put their capital and resources to better use.

CLS products are designed to enable clients to manage risk most effectively across the full FX lifecycle – whether through more efficient processing tools or market intelligence derived from the largest single source of FX executed data available to the market.

Our ambition to make a positive difference starts with our people. Our values – Protect, Improve, Grow – underpin everything that we do at CLS and define and shape a supportive and inclusive working environment in which everyone is encouraged to be open and forward-thinking

Job Information:

• Functional Title: IT Security Specialist
• Department: IT Security
• Corporate Level: Assistant Vice President
• Reports To: Vice President Information Security
• Location: London

Overview of the Role:

The AVP IT Security Specialist plays a critical role in safeguarding the organization's information assets, particularly within the Financial Services, Banking, and Financial Market Infrastructure sectors. This position is designed for candidates who possess a robust understanding of security protocols and risk management, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data. The primary purpose of this role is to develop and implement comprehensive security strategies that align with the organization's objectives while addressing the unique challenges of the financial sector.

In this capacity, you will be responsible for leading initiatives that enhance the security posture of the organization. This includes conducting risk assessments, developing security policies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with industry regulations. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing measures to mitigate risks effectively.

Key tasks will involve monitoring security systems, responding to incidents, and providing guidance on best practices for information security. As a leader in the IT Security department, you will also mentor junior staff and contribute to the continuous improvement of security processes, ensuring that the organization remains resilient against evolving threats.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend remediation strategies.
• Developing and implementing security policies and procedures that comply with industry standards and regulations.
• Monitoring security systems and responding to security incidents in a timely manner.
• Collaborating with IT and business units to integrate security measures into all aspects of operations.
• Providing expert advice on information security best practices to stakeholders across the organization.
• Leading security awareness training programs for employees to promote a culture of security.
• Evaluating and recommending security technologies and tools to enhance the organization's defences.
• Staying abreast of emerging security threats and trends in the financial services sector.
• Preparing detailed reports on security incidents, vulnerabilities, and compliance status for senior management.
• Participating in audits and assessments to ensure adherence to security policies and regulatory requirements.
• Mentoring and guiding junior security staff in their professional development.
• Collaborating with external partners and vendors to strengthen the security framework.

What We Are Looking For:

• Proven experience in IT security roles, preferably within the Financial Services or Banking sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of security frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS).
• Strong understanding of risk management principles and methodologies.
• Experience with security tools and technologies (e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection systems, SIEM).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex security issues.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in incident response and crisis management procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CEH) are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience in managing security projects.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities.

Our commitment to employees:

We are a small company with a big mandate, so every person is essential to our success. We are also committed to employing and retaining the most talented and dedicated people.

What makes us interesting goes beyond our competitive salaries and great benefits. Our work environment is designed around quality outcomes, not output. The FX market would cease to function without our services, and we take pride in being responsible for keeping it running smoothly.

We are different from other financial institutions in that we have a flatter and more transparent structure with accessible leadership. You will be seen, heard and empowered to develop your career.

We are a purpose-driven organization, with an inclusive culture that focuses on doing what is right. The well-being of our people is as important to us as the resilience of our systems. In addition to encouraging our people to ‘locate for their day,’ we run a range of initiatives that support employees’ sense of belonging and physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Our extensive benefits for employees typically include:

• Vacation/annual leave: 25 days in UK/Asia + 3 life days, 23 in US + 3 life days
• Private medical and dental cover and life insurance
• Generous pension contributions in the UK and Asia; matching 401(k) in the US
• Paid volunteer days
• ‘Locate for your day’ hybrid working – 2 days a week in office.
• Access to Discover – our learning platform with 1000+ courses from LinkedIn Learning.
• Paid parental leave / Coaching and support services
• Career development / LinkedIn Learning
• ‘Heads down days’ with no meetings on the last Friday of every month
• Wellbeing / Mental health support
• Diversity Council / Affinity groups (Women’s Forum, Black Employee Network, Pride Network, Parents & Caregivers Network, Sustainability Network)
• Social events

Awards:

• The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 & 2024 / Big Company / The Sunday Times Awards
• Third place in Britain’s Healthiest Workplace 2022 / Medium Company / Vitality Awards