Akiko Hayata
Head of Trade Operations @Payden & Rygel
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WORK HISTORY
Head of Trade Operations @Payden & Rygel
As Head of Trading Operations, I oversee global trade support, settlements, and derivatives operations across offices in Los Angeles, Boston, and London. I lead a 20-person team supporting a $150B AUM platform, driving performance through systems modernization, operational risk management, and regulatory compliance. I collaborate closely with executive leadership, IT, and compliance to align infrastructure with business objectives.KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Directed a 60% expansion of the operations team while promoting 50% of staff into higher-impact roles. Led regulatory implementation for T+1, UMR phases 5 & 6, CSDR, MSFTA, and global reporting refits. Reduced manual touchpoints by 20% through automation initiatives and cross-functional IT partnerships. Oversaw domestic and international securities settlements across more than 50 custodial relationships. Mitigated FX settlement risk by integrating CLS with high-volume transaction flows. Passed multiple regulatory audits with zero key findings, reinforcing operational integrity. Managed vendor onboarding and performed multi-phase ROI reviews to support system modernization. Delivered operational risk and workflow presentations to clients and supported due diligence documentation. Participated in Best Execution Committee meetings to analyze broker performance and execution trends.
EDUCATION
Occidental College
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Biochemistry
SKILLS
ABOUT AKIKO HAYATA
As a seasoned trading executive with over 20 years in global asset management, I specialize in building high-performing trading operations, managing FX trading, and driving operational excellence across borders. I bring a process-oriented mindset, deep product expertise, and a proven ability to lead transformation in highly regulated, fast-paced environments.I began my career on the trading floor and was quickly recognized for my meticulous approach and problem-solving instincts—earning an opportunity to build and lead the firm’s foreign exchange desk from the ground up. Over the years, I’ve scaled global teams, executed enterprise-wide system overhauls, and developed resilient workflows that align with shifting markets, compliance mandates, and firmwide growth objectives. As a collaborative and thoughtful leader, I take pride in coaching talent, embedding risk controls, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.Currently serving as Head of Trading Operations and FX Trading for a $150B AUM platform, I lead operations across Los Angeles, Boston, and London. I am also a member of the NY Federal Reserve Bank’s Foreign Exchange Committee, contributing to national discussions on FX settlement risk and industry standards. Through my ongoing work with CFA Society Los Angeles, I remain deeply committed to promoting ethics, professionalism, and mentorship in the investment industry.Career Highlights: Lead global trading operations and FX trading across three international offices for a $150B AUM platform. Appointed to the NY Federal Reserve Bank’s Foreign Exchange Committee to shape the future of FX market best practices. Piloted front-to-back automation projects and reduced manualization by 20% across core workflows. Built and institutionalized the FX trading desk, aligning strategy, execution, and performance metrics. Championed regulatory implementation across T+1, UMR, CSDR, and global derivatives reporting standards. Promoted 50% of team members and sustained 90%+ staff retention through high-touch leadership and development.Specialty Areas Include:Global Trade Operations · Leadership & Management · Change Management · Strategic Planning · Asset Management Infrastructure · Risk & Compliance Controls · Regulatory Readiness · Derivatives & FX Trading · Front-to-Back Integration · Vendor Management · Firm-wide Collaboration · Mentorship & Coaching · Global Personnel Management · Systems & Process Innovation · Workflow Automation · Process Improvements · Investigation & Remediation · Strong Communication Skills
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