Hafifa Harshiya . M.H
Senior Settlement Specialist, Investment Banking
Chennai
Summary
Investment Banking professional with 12+ years of experience in operations, known for handling high levels of responsibility with precision and enthusiasm. A reliable and accountable team player with strong communication and analytical skills, capable of working independently and collaboratively to meet tight deadlines. Demonstrates a continuous learning mindset, adaptability to change, and commitment to delivering high-quality results in fast-paced environments. Actively seeking a challenging role in Investment Banking to contribute to organizational growth while advancing professionally.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Investment Banking Operations – Trade Settlement (APAC Markets)
BNY
01.2023 - Current
- Provided primary coverage for equity and fixed income trade settlement activities across APAC markets including Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
- Actively managed and liaised with local custodians and internal teams to resolve trade settlement issues within market deadlines.
- Supported Client Service teams by providing timely trade settlement updates and issue resolution.
- Effectively handled IPO settlements, pre-delivery and funding activities, cross-border trades, and Taiwan money shortage scenarios.
- Successfully prioritized and managed Singapore Settled But Short (SBS), buy-in trades, hold and release cases, and turnarounds to mitigate risk and avoid penalties.
- Reviewed and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with onshore approvals as required.
- Actively participated in quarterly Settlement Connect meetings to discuss errors, root causes, resolutions, and team collaboration initiatives.
- Received, processed, and organized transactional documentation and ensured timely transmission to clients.
- Monitored NSTP queues on an hourly basis to ensure smooth settlement and timely MT548 updates prior to market cut-offs for client visibility.
- Maintained high levels of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail while managing multiple cases simultaneously.
- Provided training to team members and handled operational escalations effectively.
- Regularly monitored PENC trades, high-risk trades, and buy-in exposures to prevent settlement delays.
- Processed internal transfer trades and ensured timely settlement.
- Participated in sub-custodian calls to clarify settlement issues and ensure prompt resolution.
Money Transfer Investigations-Cash Processing & Reconciliations
BNY
04.2021 - 12.2022
- Executed client payments as per instructions and ensured successful credit to Final beneficiary accounts.
- Processed recall of funds, return of funds to remitters, and amendments to payment instructions based on client requests via SWIFT, fax, and email confirmations.
- Investigated TLM breaks, including high-value, high-risk, and aged items, and drove timely resolution within agreed SLAs, maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
- Reassigned breaks to relevant departments and approved actions as requested by internal teams.
- Reviewed duplicate payments and incorrect credits, and processed reversals to correct client accounts.
- Evaluated and applied funds for UK-contracted clients’ breaks as per CASS reports, monitored daily in coordination with the Global Asset Safety team within a 10-day threshold.
- Conducted in-depth research to identify root causes and resolve complex breaks.
- Issued debit notifications to Client Service Representatives (CSR) for incorrect credits and duplicate funds.
- Handled recall and return requests by coordinating with beneficiaries and remitters based on authorized documentation.
- Ensured timely resolution of money transfer inquiries received via SWIFT, fax, and ECRM (email).
- Recognized with a WOW Award for outstanding contribution to reconciliation of breaks and received an “Exceeded Expectations” rating in the annual performance review.
- Received management appreciation for successfully applying and managing high-value fund movements in line with client requirements.
Analyst, Corporate Trust Client Processing
BNY Mellon
06.2018 - 03.2021
- Successfully transitioned Corporate Trust – Client Financial Management (CT-CFM) operations from New York to Chennai, ensuring process continuity and service quality.
- Managed multiple client accounts across EMEA and US regions, maintaining high accuracy and adherence to SLAs.
- Initiated and processed wire transfers based on client instructions, ensuring compliance with agreed documentation including callback lists, incumbency certificates, and authorized signatory instructions.
- Processed debt service interest and principal payments, internal cash transfers, STIF redemptions, and redemptions.
- Conducted callback verifications for payment instructions to ensure control adherence and risk mitigation.
- Analyzed Uninvested Client Cash (UIC) and verified fund availability prior to wire processing to prevent overdrafts.
- Ensured timely receipt of funds from issuers for accurate and on-time distribution of interest and principal payments to security holders.
- Validated and ensured interest payment letters were prepared and delivered to clients within defined timelines.
- Collaborated closely with onshore stakeholders to resolve process-related issues and implement process improvements.
- Proactively escalated operational issues and provided regular updates to management.
- Developed and maintained Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support process standardization and knowledge transfer.
- Handled calls and queries from onshore counterparts and Client Service Managers (CSMs), delivering effective client support.
- Accurately processed tasks related to payment processing, , and overdraft research, ensuring operational excellence.
Senior Analyst, EMEA SETTLEMENTS
State Street HCL Ltd.
01.2016 - 03.2018
- Successfully transitioned EMEA Settlements operations from Pune to Coimbatore, ensuring seamless handover and operational stability.
- Performed pre-settlement confirmations (SD-1) with clients, and custodians to ensure timely settlement of sell trades.
- Coordinated with custodians and reviewed custodian portals to validate securities availability, preventing settlement discrepancies and fails.
- Executed fax instructions for shareholdings and SSI updates to facilitate smooth trade settlement on value date.
- Re-instructed trades with correct Standard Settlement Instructions (SSI) for unmatched or failed trades.
- Prepared and analyzed daily failed trade reports, driving timely resolution and reduction of settlement fails.
- Handled Free of Payment (FOP) trades across European markets, ensuring accurate stock and cash settlements.
- Managed trade queues across domestic locations and Euroclear, prioritizing pre-settlement and fail management.
- Maintained and monitored the group mailbox, ensuring all settlement-related actions were completed within SLAs.
- Conducted post-settlement analysis with brokers and custodians to identify root causes of fails and ensure priority settlement.
- Trained and mentored new team members, conducting Process Knowledge Tests (PKT) to build team capability and performance.
- Presented failed trade metrics to management and clients during weekly calls and maintained daily tracking reports.
Process Associate
TATA Consultancy Services
08.2012 - 12.2015
- Played a key role in transitioning Prime Brokerage Equity Settlements from Glasgow, Scotland to Chennai, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and process stabilization.
- Supported the end-to-end equity settlement BAU.
- Provided settlement support across multiple markets including Germany, Euronext, Scandinavian, Euroclear, Emerging Markets, and Free of Payment (FOP) trades across European and Asian markets.
- Ensured pre-matching of trades to identify and resolve discrepancies ahead of settlement.
- Confirmed trade details with clients post-booking and coordinated with counterparties and authorized representatives to resolve instruction mismatches.
- Monitored short positions and facilitated stock realignments to ensure availability of securities.
- Maintained a zero-fail focus, prioritizing client and high-risk trades for same-day settlement.
- Participated in client conference calls to ensure service quality and adherence to operational standards.
- Generated and investigated risk and escalating issues to oversight teams on a daily basis.
- Acted as Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for risk trades and key clients including IPB, PB, and focus accounts.
Education
MBA - Banking and Finance
Bharathiar University
Coimbatore, TN05.2014
BBM - undefined
Sree Saraswathi Thyagaraja College, Bharathiar University
Coimbatore, TN05.2012
HSc - undefined
Railway colony higher secondary school
Erode, TN04.2009
Achievements & Recognitions
- Recognized with “Wall of Fame” and “Outstanding Performer” awards at BNY Mellon for exceptional performance and successful handling of high-volume wire inflows.
- Awarded “Best Performer of the Year – 2017” at State Street HCL for consistent operational excellence and reliability.
- Honoured as “Star Performer – 2014” at TCS and received Service Excellence Award (Team) from Morgan Stanley (2013–2014) for superior service delivery.
- Earned client appreciation for completing critical and urgent requests beyond business hours, ensuring seamless operations.
- Provided functional backup support across Emerging Markets, Germany, Scandinavian, Core, and Euronext, demonstrating strong learning agility and market expertise.
- Led team-building initiatives and weekly KT sessions, improving team collaboration, knowledge sharing, and overall performance.
Process improvement
- Proposed and implemented automation for Debt Service Letters and OD Macro, enhancing team efficiency and reducing manual errors.
- Initiated multiple process improvements in daily BAU operations to streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance client satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented a prompt update process for Standard Settlement Instructions (SSI) at trade booking, reducing trade re-amendments and minimizing associated costs.
References
Available on request
Declaration
I hereby declare that the information provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
Place: Chennai, India
Date:
Hafifa Harshiya.M. H
Timeline
Investment Banking Operations – Trade Settlement (APAC Markets)
BNY
01.2023 - Current
Money Transfer Investigations-Cash Processing & Reconciliations
BNY
04.2021 - 12.2022
Analyst, Corporate Trust Client Processing
BNY Mellon
06.2018 - 03.2021
Senior Analyst, EMEA SETTLEMENTS
State Street HCL Ltd.
01.2016 - 03.2018
Process Associate
TATA Consultancy Services
08.2012 - 12.2015
BBM - undefined
Sree Saraswathi Thyagaraja College, Bharathiar University
HSc - undefined
Railway colony higher secondary school
MBA - Banking and Finance
Bharathiar University