Chief Operating Officer

International Securities Lending Association

About the Organisation

International Securities Lending Association (ISLA) is the leading industry association representing the common interests of securities lending and financing market participants, including agent lenders, beneficial owners, intermediaries, and buy‑side institutions. ISLA works with members, policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to promote a safe, efficient, and sustainable securities finance market through advocacy, standard‑setting, market solutions, and thought leadership.

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of ISLA’s senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day operations and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring the Association delivers high‑quality services to its membership. The role focuses on operational excellence, member value, commercial performance, and effective support for the Chief Executive and Board in achieving ISLA’s strategic objectives across the securities finance ecosystem.

The COO will bring strong, proven experience in the securities finance industry, an established network across the market, and a forward‑looking perspective on the evolution of securities lending and financing. This is both a leadership role and a hands‑on ‘do-er’ position, requiring someone who can represent ISLA publicly and also execute the day‑to‑day internal administration of the association.

Responsibilities

Strategic Operations & Leadership:

• Work with the Chief Executive and Board to translate ISLA’s strategy into clear operational plans and budgets.​
• Lead the planning and delivery of cross‑functional, globally aligned initiatives that enhance member value, operational efficiency, and organisational resilience.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive, providing insight on performance, risk, opportunities, and organisational development.​
• Act as a visible and credible public representative of ISLA, speaking at conferences and industry forums where needed, and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders, where appropriate.
• Ensure ISLA’s operational priorities reflect key trends in the securities finance industry.

Commercial, Finance & Business Systems:

• Work with the CEO to set and manage budgets, monitor performance, and ensure robust financial controls, reporting, and compliance with relevant regulations. The COO will work with an internal business administrator (reporting to the COO), as well as an external financial controller where required, a management accountant, and the Board Treasurer.
• Oversee core business systems (CRM, digital platforms, websites, data, and analytics) to support efficient operations, strong member insight, and modern digital engagement.
• Lead the development and oversight of appropriate revenue-generating activities. partnerships, training products, and other relevant income streams, operating at all times within the parameters of ISLA’s mission, its non-profit status, and driving member value.

Membership:

• Support the CEO in leading a proactive member engagement strategy that deepens relationships with existing members, broadens participation in ISLA activities, and clearly evidences the value of membership.
• Oversee membership operations, including recruitment, retention, onboarding, and ongoing engagement of members across the global securities lending and financing value chain.​
• Hire and manage a junior business development employee to assist membership operations.
• Represent ISLA at member meetings and bilateral engagements, listening to member priorities and ensuring they feed into ISLA’s work programme.
• Work closely with the Management Team with respect to the delivery of member services.

People, Culture & Central Services:

• Execution and management of central logistical functions (operations, HR, IT, facilities, administration), with the support of a senior business administrator (reporting into the COO), ensuring the Association functions at the highest standards.
• Take ownership of key internal processes and administration where required, ensuring that critical day‑to‑day tasks are completed accurately and on time.​
• Champion a positive, inclusive, and high‑performance culture aligned with ISLA’s values, supporting staff development, consistent performance management, and workforce planning.

Governance, Risk & Compliance:

• Support the Chief Executive and Chair in ensuring effective governance across the Board and committees, including planning Board meetings, preparing Board papers and tracking actions.
• Lead organisational risk management, maintaining risk registers, business continuity and internal controls & policies across ISLA’s activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and reporting requirements (company law, data protection, health and safety, employment law, financial regulations).

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong proven track record in the securities finance industry (securities lending, repo, collateral management, prime brokerage or related capital markets functions), with an established network across the ecosystem, including agent lenders, beneficial owners, intermediaries, infrastructures and vendors.
• Deep understanding of the securities finance market, including products, market structure, regulatory landscape, risk and collateral, and the role of trade associations, with a forward‑facing outlook on the evolution of the industry.
• Experience of leading member or client engagement, including designing and delivering programmes that increase satisfaction, participation and retention.
• Experience of leading operations, central services or business functions, with responsibility for budgets, people and performance.
• Comfortable operating as both a strategic leader and a hands‑on “do‑er”, willing to get involved in day‑to‑day administration and execution where needed.​
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in developing income streams, while managing cost efficiency.
• Excellent people leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and retain experienced subject-matter experts.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience of digital transformation, CRM and data‑driven decision‑making in a membership or capital‑markets context.
• Experience working with Boards, committees and senior volunteers.
• Experience in governance, risk and compliance processes in a regulated environment.
• Experience in running a small business would also be beneficial.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive, depending on experience.
• Competitive market-based package.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely
• Overseas travel, as needed.

How to apply

• To apply for this role, please send your CV and covering letter for the attention of Ina Budh-Raja to [email protected]. The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026.

Interviews

• Due to the volume of applications, we are only able to contact successful applicants. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 10 working days, please deem your application as unsuccessful on this occasion.

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