The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), the premier post-trade market infrastructure for the global financial services industry, today announced that Adam Watson has joined the firm as Managing Director and Head of Asset Services.
In this role, Watson will lead the strategic direction, performance, and modernization of DTCC’s global Asset Services business, overseeing operational delivery, product innovation, regulatory engagement, and client experience. He will report to Brian Steele, Managing Director, President, Clearing & Securities Services at DTCC.
“Adam is a proven leader with deep expertise across custody, asset servicing, and capital markets,” said Steele. “He brings a strong track record of driving large-scale transformation, modernizing market-critical platforms, and delivering meaningful outcomes for clients. His experience and leadership will be instrumental as DTCC continues to advance and strengthen its Asset Services capabilities for the industry.”
Watson joins DTCC from BNY, where he most recently served as Managing Director of Client Insight & Innovation within Asset Servicing. During his time at BNY, their AUC/A grew by 54%, stemming from complex multi-product client mandates, enterprise-wide digital innovation initiatives and operating model redesigns. He also oversaw a significant new business pipeline and helped modernize client engagement through advanced analytics and AI-enabled solutions. Previously at BNY, Watson led the global custody client franchise, within the bank’s largest platform, with accountability for product strategy, financial governance, pricing, and regulatory driven transformation.
Prior to BNY, Watson spent more than a decade at J.P. Morgan, where he held leadership positions across global custody product management, finance, and operations. With past roles in both United States and the United Kingdom, Watson has vast expertise across global market infrastructure and post‑trade services.
“DTCC plays a unique and vital role in safeguarding and advancing the global financial system,” said Watson. “I’m excited to join the firm at a time of significant industry transformation and look forward to working with the Asset Services team to enhance resiliency, accelerate modernization, and deliver even greater value to clients worldwide.”
