Job Description
This position will be responsible for leading the firm’s investment operations, portfolio framework, risk oversight, and custodial relationships across all regions. Cross Border Wealth is a U.S.-based global investment advisory firm specializing in cross-border financial planning and investment management for U.S.-connected individuals living abroad. Headquartered in New York, with offices across the United States and Asia, we help globally mobile clients navigate the complexities of investing, tax planning, and wealth management across jurisdictions. As the firm continues to grow globally, we are strengthening our investment infrastructure, operational rigor, and client experience. To support this next phase, we are seeking a Chief Investment Officer (CIO) based in our Manila office, responsible for leading the firm’s investment operations, portfolio framework, risk oversight, and custodial relationships across all regions. Chief Investment Officer Job Description and Responsibilities The Chief Investment Officer will own and oversee the firm’s entire investment lifecycle, from client onboarding through ongoing portfolio monitoring. This role is operationally focused, deeply process‑driven, and client‑experience oriented. The CIO will act as the central investment authority supporting all firm offices globally. Define and maintain the firm’s investment philosophy Set portfolio construction standards, and approved investment universe Design and oversee model portfolios and portfolio guidelines Ensure consistency in asset allocation, and investment rationale Oversee client risk profiling frameworks, ensuring they are: Robust Repeatable Defensible from a fiduciary and regulatory standpoint Ensure risk assessments align appropriately with recommended portfolios Partner with advisors to ensure investment recommendations are communicated clearly and appropriately to clients Oversee: Initial investment implementation workflows Ongoing portfolio monitoring Rebalancing triggers and discipline Establish clear escalation procedures for market events, portfolio drift, or client specific issues Reporting & Investment Communication Own investment reporting standards across the firm Ensure reporting is: Accurate Timely Consistent across custodians and platforms Support advisors in client meetings when required, particularly for complex portfolios or market conditions Custodial Relationships Act as the firm’s primary owner of custodial relationships Manage relationships with U.S. custodians (e.g., Schwab, Fidelity etc.) Oversee: Operational workflows Platform capabilities Reporting and data integrity Issue resolution and service escalation Evaluate custodial platforms and recommend enhancements Governance, Controls & Compliance Collaboration Partner closely with Compliance to ensure: Investment processes are properly documented Advisory practices align with SEC fiduciary expectations Clear audit trails exist for all investment recommendations Support regulatory examinations and internal reviews related to investment processes Maintain strong internal controls across investment operations Leadership & Global Support Serve as a senior leader supporting advisors and teams across all offices Build and refine scalable investment processes that support growth without increasing operational risk Mentor and develop investment and operations staff Act as a key strategic partner to firm leadership Chief Investment Officer Qualification and Requirements Experience 15+ years in investment management, advisory, or investment operations Prior experience in: RIA, multi‑family office, private bank, or institutional asset manager Senior investment operations, CIO, Deputy CIO, or Head of Investments role Strong familiarity with non‑discretionary advisory models Technical Expertise Deep understanding of: Asset allocation and portfolio construction Risk profiling and suitability frameworks Investment operations and custodial platforms Experience working with U.S. custodians and U.S. regulatory expectations Professional designations (CFA, CAIA, MBA) preferred but not required Personal Attributes Strong fiduciary mindset and ethical standards Highly process‑oriented and detail‑driven Client‑centric approach to investment decision‑making Clear communicator able to translate complex investment conce