At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Risk team, set risk parameters, and approve collateral onboarding decisions.
- Company: Join Aave, a leading protocol in DeFi, known for its innovative risk management frameworks.
- Benefits: Enjoy a culture of ownership and accountability with opportunities to impact risk outcomes.
- Other info: Familiarity with risk tooling and simulation platforms is a plus.
- Why this job: Take ownership of risk at scale as Aave expands into new markets and asset classes.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in risk management, preferably in DeFi, with proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the role
We’re looking for a Head of Risk to lead the Risk team and own the risk frameworks that govern one of the most important protocols in DeFi. You’ll coordinate with external risk service providers, set and monitor risk parameters, and serve as the final sign‑off on collateral onboarding and liquidation performance. This is a leadership role that requires deep protocol knowledge, strong accountability, and the judgment to make high‑stakes decisions. You’ll lead a team of risk analysts, researchers, data scientists, and credit specialists while working across the organization and with external partners to ensure Aave’s risk posture remains best‑in‑class as the protocol scales into new markets and asset classes. If you understand market structure, portfolio risk management, and the Aave Protocol at a deep level, and you’re ready to take ownership of risk at scale, this role is designed for you.
How you can make an impact
- Lead and build the Risk team, setting direction, priorities, and standards for the function
- Own and evolve Aave’s risk management frameworks and policies
- Coordinate with external risk service provider teams to ensure alignment on risk parameters
- Set, monitor, and adjust protocol risk parameters across deployments and markets
- Approve and sign off on collateral onboarding decisions and risk assessments
- Review liquidation performance and recommend improvements to liquidation mechanisms
- Lead risk governance processes and present risk analyses to the DAO
- Monitor market structure changes and their implications for protocol risk
- Take full accountability for risk outcomes and drive a culture of ownership within the team
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in risk management, with a strong preference for DeFi or crypto‑native experience
- Proven experience leading and managing a risk team
- Deep understanding of the Aave Protocol: its markets, governance, parameters, and risk dynamics
- Strong grasp of market structure, portfolio risk management, and stress testing methodologies
- Experience working with or managing external risk service providers
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership. You take responsibility for outcomes and hold your team to the same standard
- Excellent judgment under uncertainty. You’re comfortable making consequential decisions with imperfect information
- Strong communication skills for governance proposals, risk reports, and stakeholder alignment
Nice to have
- Previous experience working directly with DeFi governance processes
- Background in traditional finance risk management (portfolio, credit, or market risk)
- Familiarity with risk tooling and simulation platforms used in DeFi
Head of Risk employer: Arbitrum
Aave is at the forefront of DeFi, offering competitive benefits and a dynamic work environment. Located in a vibrant tech hub, the team is dedicated to maintaining best-in-class risk management as they scale. Join a mission-driven organisation focused on innovation and accountability.
