Fund Onboarding and Servicing, Associate

Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 43 countries.

As a market leader, the talent and passion of our people is critical to our success. Together, we share a common set of values rooted in integrity, excellence and strong team ethic. Morgan Stanley can provide a superior foundation for building a professional career - a place for people to learn, to achieve, and grow. A philosophy that balances personal lifestyles, perspectives, and needs is an important part of our culture.

This role is within Wealth Management in the Alternative Investments Business supporting products such as hedge funds, digital assets, private equity, private credit and private real estate.  Morgan Stanley has one of the largest alternative investments platforms in the industry and it is one of the fastest growing segments of the firm. 

The Alternative Investments Fund Onboarding & Servicing Associate will be part of the Fund Onboarding & Servicing team responsible for effectively and efficiently onboarding funds to the Morgan Stanley platform and ensuring they are successfully operating as part of the platform. The Fund Onboarding & Servicing team utilizes the Firm’s Reg D system to manage any Reg D requests submitted by Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors (FAs/PWAs).  Under federal securities law, any offer or sale of a security must either be registered with the SEC or meet an exemption.  Regulation D (Reg D) is the SEC regulation that implements these exemptions from the law.  The Reg D system is used to pre-qualify prospective investors and allow FAs/PWAs to disclose any information about or offer to sell a specific Private Fund.  The Fund Onboarding & Servicing team plays a critical role in ensuring compliance and lawful offerings of these exempt securities. 

The candidate will be a critical partner to Alternative Investments Fund Managers, Fund Administrators, Operations and Product Development to maximize efficiencies and mitigate risk in our onboarding processes.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and approve investor requests and determine if the investor or entity is eligible to participate in an Alternative Investment Offering
• Manage Reg D requests to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines
• Work with partners to drive to solutions that involve highly complex business scenarios that require a firm understanding of the Morgan Stanley Alternative Investments booking model, the available products, and the systems that support those products
• Review exceptions and make recommendations that are in line with policies and procedures
• Establish strong working relationships with Fund Managers and Fund Administrators to ensure a smooth and efficient onboarding experience, maximizing the capabilities of the Morgan Stanley platform
• Help direct meetings with Fund Managers, Fund Administrators, Operations, and Product Development to establish best practices and identify opportunities for efficiencies and improved communication
• Review platforms, procedures, and processes to identify opportunities for enhancements
• Develop a firm understanding of the target operating model, strategic vision, and execute a variety of programs, services, and initiatives that execute on that vision
• Drive accountability and limit risk exposure for assigned initiatives by establishing controls and monitoring progress. Review strategic approaches and effectiveness of support functions and business performance
• Escalate process and onboarding issues and events that require attention, or action to business partners, senior business managers, senior risk managers, the legal, and others as appropriate
• Assist in the planning and execution of a variety of programs and initiatives that may include risk mitigation, efficiency, and customer experience
• Assist with ad hoc projects as assigned

Qualifications – External

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent required
• Associate: 2-4 years of relevant financial services experience
• Prior operational and/or alternative investments experience is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with a particular strength in Microsoft Excel is required
• Ability to ensure process consistency and adherence to all procedural guidelines set forth for a process
• Ability to work independently, contributing to the goals of the team
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and execute in a fast paced, high demand environment 
• Ability to take initiative, identify opportunities and implement change