At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk oversight for digital assets and blockchain technologies, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join Northern Trust, a global leader in wealth management with over 135 years of experience.
- Benefits: Flexible work culture, career growth opportunities, and commitment to community service.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on philanthropy and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital asset risk management in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
- Qualifications: 7-10+ years in risk management with strong blockchain technology knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Northern Trust
As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity.
Role Overview
Department: Operational Risk Management / Digital Asset Risk / Asset Servicing Risk Management
Reports To: Head of Non-Financial Risk or Business Unit Chief Risk Officer
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking risk professional to lead and enhance risk oversight across Digital Assets and blockchain-based technologies. This role will be responsible for identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks associated with distributed ledger technologies (DLT), digital asset products, tokenisation initiatives, smart contracts, custody solutions, and emerging blockchain ecosystems.
The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of risk management expertise, regulatory knowledge, and a deep understanding of blockchain technology, enabling effective oversight of a rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Risk Identification & Assessment
- Assess risks associated with blockchain protocols, digital asset infrastructure, custody solutions, smart contracts, tokenisation platforms, and emerging technologies.
- Conduct risk reviews of new digital asset products, services, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
- Monitor developments across digital assets, DeFi, stablecoins, tokenised securities, and related market innovations.
- Risk Framework & Governance
- Support the development and ongoing enhancement of the firm's Digital Asset Risk Management Framework.
- Ensure digital asset risks are appropriately integrated into enterprise risk management processes, taxonomies, and reporting structures.
- Partner closely with business, technology, legal, compliance, and operational teams to maintain alignment with risk appetite and governance standards.
- Regulatory Risk & Compliance
- Monitor evolving regulatory developments impacting digital assets and blockchain technology.
- Provide risk guidance on applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and emerging supervisory expectations.
- Collaborate with Legal and Compliance partners to support regulatory readiness and risk assessments.
- Monitoring, Reporting & Oversight
- Develop and maintain key risk indicators (KRIs), reporting metrics, and management information relating to digital asset activities.
- Prepare risk reporting and insights for senior management, risk committees, and regulatory stakeholders.
- Escalate emerging risks and control concerns in a timely manner.
- Technology & Operational Risk
- Assess technology, cyber, operational resilience, and third-party risks associated with blockchain platforms and digital asset operating models.
- Partner with Information Security, Technology Risk, and Infrastructure teams to evaluate controls relating to cryptographic key management, blockchain node operations, smart contract governance, and digital custody solutions.
Skills & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Risk Management, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
- Typically 7-10+ years of experience within Risk Management, Operational Risk, Technology Risk, Digital Assets, FinTech, Financial Services, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of blockchain technologies, distributed ledger systems, digital asset ecosystems, smart contracts, tokenisation, custody solutions, and emerging market developments.
- Experience assessing operational, technology, cyber, third-party, and regulatory risks within complex financial services environments.
- Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks and supervisory expectations relating to digital assets and blockchain technologies.
- Familiarity with enterprise risk management frameworks, governance processes, controls frameworks, and risk assessment methodologies.
- Ability to translate complex technical and digital asset risks into clear business-focused recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Professional certifications such as FRM, CRISC, CISA, CBSP, or other relevant risk, technology, cybersecurity, or blockchain qualifications would be advantageous.
This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the firm's approach to Digital Asset Risk Management while supporting the safe and sustainable adoption of blockchain-enabled technologies across the organisation.
Work Authorization
Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Please note that Northern Trust is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Working with Us
As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.
Reasonable Accommodation
Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center.
Senior Risk Management Specialist, Digital Assets (Blockchain Technology Focus) in London employer: Northern Trust
Northern Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Greater London that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we provide comprehensive benefits and a collaborative culture that values innovation and excellence in service delivery. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises meaningful client relationships and supports your career aspirations in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Risk Management Specialist, Digital Assets (Blockchain Technology Focus) in London
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Northern Trust looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Risk Management Specialist, Digital Assets (Blockchain Technology Focus) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Northern Trust. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Trust
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Northern Trust’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
