At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical vision and architecture for Derivnex, shaping the future of OTC derivatives.
- Company: Join DRW, a leading trading firm with a culture of innovation and integrity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, comprehensive health benefits, and 401k match.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of blockchain technology and make a significant impact in financial markets.
- Qualifications: Expertise in blockchain, OTC derivatives, and experience leading engineering teams.
DRW is a diversified trading firm with over 3 decades of experience bringing sophisticated technology and exceptional people together to operate in markets around the world. We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, so we operate using our own capital and trading at our own risk. Headquartered in Chicago with offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, we trade a variety of asset classes including Fixed Income, ETFs, Equities, FX, Commodities and Energy across all major global markets. We have also leveraged our expertise and technology to expand into three non-traditional strategies: real estate, venture capital and cryptoassets. We operate with respect, curiosity and open minds. The people who thrive here share our belief that it's not just what we do that matters–it's how we do it. DRW is a place of high expectations, integrity, innovation and a willingness to challenge consensus.
Derivnex is DRW's institutional platform for on-chain OTC derivatives lifecycle management, built on the permissioned Canton Network using the DAML smart-contract model. The platform transforms matched OTC trades into private, versioned smart-contract state with cryptographic attestation and immutable auditability. Margin, settlement, novation, termination, and other lifecycle events are executed and recorded directly on ledger through tokenized transfers between counterparties.
We are seeking a technically exceptional and commercially minded CTO to lead the architecture, engineering, and strategic evolution of Derivnex as it scales into production institutional markets.
Role OverviewThe CTO will define and execute the technical vision for Derivnex, leading platform architecture, distributed systems engineering, smart-contract infrastructure, security, and operational resilience. This leader will work closely with trading, operations, legal, and external counterparties to build secure, scalable, regulator-ready market infrastructure for OTC derivatives.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the technical strategy, architecture, and engineering roadmap for the Derivnex platform.
- Oversee development of distributed ledger infrastructure and DAML smart-contract systems deployed on Canton.
- Build secure, scalable systems supporting real-time collateral, margin, settlement, novation, and lifecycle event processing.
- Lead engineering, infrastructure, DevOps, and security teams delivering institutional-grade reliability and performance.
- Partner with trading, operations, legal, and risk teams to translate OTC derivatives workflows into programmable on‐chain infrastructure.
- Drive platform security, governance, operational resilience, and auditability.
- Represent Derivnex externally with counterparties, partners, and industry stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of OTC derivatives and post‐trade lifecycle management.
- Deep knowledge of collateral management and settlement workflows.
- Strong expertise in blockchain technology, distributed systems, and smart‐contract infrastructure.
- Experience with crypto payments, tokenized settlement systems, and digital asset infrastructure.
- Proven experience leading high‐performance engineering organizations and building scalable production platforms.
- Strong understanding of security architecture, cryptography, and resilient financial infrastructure.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Experience with DAML, Canton Network, or privacy‐enabled blockchain platforms.
- Background in capital markets, digital assets, or financial market infrastructure.
- Experience operating within regulated institutional environments.
The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $250,000 depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and relevant skill set. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, DRW offers a comprehensive suite of employee benefits including group medical, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance, 401k (with discretionary employer match), short and long‐term disability, life and AD&D insurance, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts.
CTO - Derivnex in London employer: DRW
At DRW, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and integrity, where exceptional talent thrives in an environment that values autonomy and collaboration. As a leading trading firm headquartered in Chicago, we offer our employees not only competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits but also unique opportunities for professional growth in the rapidly evolving fields of blockchain and OTC derivatives. Join us at Derivnex to be part of a forward-thinking team that is shaping the future of financial markets with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CTO - Derivnex in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, especially those connected to DRW or Derivnex. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or any projects related to blockchain, smart contracts, or OTC derivatives, make sure to highlight them. We want to see what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by understanding DRW's values and how they align with your own. We love candidates who can demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to challenge the norm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Derivnex.
We think you need these skills to ace CTO - Derivnex in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Tech:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for technology shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at Derivnex and how you can contribute to our innovative platform.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we're looking for in a CTO.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. This helps us quickly understand why you're the right fit for Derivnex!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DRW
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a CTO, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of blockchain technology and smart contracts. Brush up on your knowledge of the Canton Network and DAML, and be ready to discuss how these technologies can enhance OTC derivatives management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led high-performance engineering teams in the past. Highlight your experience in building scalable platforms and how you foster collaboration across departments.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in capital markets and digital assets. Be prepared to discuss how you would position Derivnex within the competitive landscape and what innovative strategies you could implement to capture market opportunities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between technology and business needs effectively.
