Chief Operating Officer

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.

The 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.

• 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.

• 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, 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, e.g. 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.

• 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.

• 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…