Risk Head Investor Services Digital Assets (MD)

Opportunity Review: Risk Head for Investor Services Digital Assets

This is a pivotal opportunity for a seasoned risk professional to lead and shape the risk management strategy for digital asset initiatives within Investor Services. The role offers a unique chance to blend deep expertise in traditional financial risk with cutting-edge blockchain technology and its evolving regulatory landscape. If you're passionate about innovation, possess a strong strategic mindset, and thrive in a dynamic environment, this position could be a significant step in your career trajectory.

Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: As the Risk Head, you will be instrumental in designing and implementing the foundational risk management framework for digital assets. This is a chance to leave a lasting mark on a rapidly growing and evolving area of finance.
• Cutting-Edge Industry Exposure: Gain unparalleled experience at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets. You'll work with diverse digital asset products, including tokens, staking, DeFi, NFTs, and stablecoins, positioning you at the forefront of industry innovation.
• Regulatory Expertise Development: This role offers intensive exposure to critical regulations such as BSA, AML, OFAC, and FinCEN, specifically within the digital asset context. You will become a go-to subject matter expert, enhancing your regulatory acumen.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You'll have the opportunity to collaborate closely with a wide range of departments including Product, Operations, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Data. This broad engagement will broaden your understanding of enterprise-wide operations and strategic objectives.
• Leadership and Team Building: The role includes the responsibility of building, mentoring, and leading a high-performing team. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your leadership skills and foster a culture of risk awareness and excellence.
• Influence and Advisory Role: You will serve as a primary advisor to senior management, influencing strategic decisions and ensuring that all digital asset activities are aligned with the company's risk appetite and regulatory obligations.
• Focus on Innovation and Commercial Viability: The role emphasizes balancing innovation with commercial viability within the risk framework, allowing you to contribute to growth while ensuring robust risk mitigation.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Deep Domain Expertise Required: This position demands a significant blend of traditional risk management principles and a profound understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Candidates should possess demonstrable experience (3-5+ years) specifically in the digital asset space.
• Regulatory Nuances: While the role offers growth in regulatory knowledge, a foundational understanding of BSA/AML programs within regulated financial institutions is essential for immediate impact. Experience working with regulators on new product submissions is highly valued.
• Strategic Thinking and Framework Design: Success in this role hinges on the ability to not only understand existing risks but also to proactively design, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive risk management framework for a nascent asset class.
• Technological Acumen: Familiarity with IT compliance frameworks like NIST, COSO, COBIT, and ISO 27001 is crucial, as is the ability to assess risks related to smart contracts and digital controls. Proficiency in data analysis and potentially SQL/Python is advantageous.
• Certified Role Implications: Be aware that this is a Certified Role, subject to the FCA and PRA Certification Regime. This entails a thorough assessment of your fitness and propriety, including honesty, integrity, reputation, financial soundness, competence, and capability, through extensive vetting processes.
• Navigating Ambiguity: The digital asset landscape is constantly evolving. Candidates should be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, possessing the ability to adapt strategies and controls in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication is Key: The ability to articulate complex regulatory and risk concepts to diverse audiences, including senior executives, is paramount. Strong presentation and interpersonal skills will be vital for stakeholder engagement and reporting.

This Risk Head position is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking leader looking to make a significant impact in the burgeoning digital asset sector. It requires a robust blend of technical understanding, strategic foresight, and strong leadership capabilities. For the right candidate, this role offers a compelling path for professional growth and industry recognition.