At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships with VIP institutions and drive revenue growth in the crypto space.
- Company: Join OKX, a leading crypto exchange reshaping the future of finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the crypto industry while expanding your network.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in business development with a strong institutional network.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Who We Are
At OKX, we believe that the future will be reshaped by crypto, and ultimately contribute to every individual's freedom. OKX is a leading crypto exchange and the developer of OKX Wallet, providing millions with access to crypto trading and decentralized crypto applications (dApps). OKX is also a trusted brand by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets. We are safe and reliable, backed by our Proof of Reserves. Across our multiple offices globally, we are united by our core principles: We Before Me, Do the Right Thing, and Get Things Done. These shared values drive our culture, shape our processes, and foster a friendly, rewarding, and diverse environment for every OK-er.
About the Opportunity
You are the Relationship Monetizer for all VIP institutions. Your network is the pipeline. You originate, progress, and close partnerships with VIP institutional clients – banks, asset managers, hedge funds, family offices, quant funds, and sovereign wealth funds – that generate substantial, recurring revenues and validate OKX as a credible institutional counterparty globally.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Tier 1 network ownership and expansion. You curate, expand, and monetize your personal network of C‑suite relationships at the largest global financial institutions. Your network is the vertical’s primary competitive advantage.
- Revenue ownership and pipeline oversight. You carry the consolidated institutional revenue target across all segments. You own the number, the forecast, and pipeline health.
- Vertical strategy and segment prioritization. You determine how to balance long‑cycle bank partnerships (6–12+ months, custom integration, marquee logos) with shorter‑cycle fund and asset manager clients (3–6 months, more standardized product, revenue velocity).
- Tier 1 deal origination and closing (commercial structuring). You are the commercial architect on the biggest deals. You structure creative partnerships, negotiate terms, and close.
- Product need analysis and advocacy (ROI estimate of feature requests). Institutional clients surface product requirements that don’t exist yet – custom custody flows, new API capabilities, regulatory wrappers. You translate these into business cases with ROI estimates and advocate internally with product and engineering.
- Regulatory positioning and compliance reflection. Traditional institutions’ primary barrier is not capital efficiency – it’s regulatory confidence. You articulate OKX’s regulatory standing (MiCA licensing, banking partnerships, compliance infrastructure) to client compliance committees, boards, and risk teams.
- External positioning and institutional marketing narrative. You own how OKX is perceived in the institutional market. You shape the narrative for OKX institutional and oversee the development of sales and marketing collateral (pitch decks, solution briefs, case studies, competitive positioning documents), shape press releases for institutional milestones, and develop thought leadership content that articulates OKX’s integration‑first, relationship‑led positioning.
What We Look For In You
- 10+ years of Business Development experience
- Active institutional network. You have done business with C‑suite decision‑makers at banks, asset managers, and funds within the last 18 months.
- Personal deal closing experience. You have personally originated and closed institutional partnerships.
- Deep crypto product fluency. You can discuss custody models, trading infrastructure, FIX connectivity, settlement mechanics, and regulatory frameworks credibly without preparation.
- You understand the infrastructure development lifecycle of banks and traditional asset managers getting into digital assets.
- Senior team management. You have managed or directed director‑level professionals. You lead through influence and partnership.
Nice to Haves
- Existing network of institutional contacts in banks, asset managers, and funds – relationships accelerate ramp time even if they are not the primary asset
- Experience selling to both banks (complex, long‑cycle, integration‑heavy) and funds (shorter‑cycle, standardized) simultaneously
- Track record of building institutional sales teams and playbooks in a high‑growth environment
- Experience developing sales collateral, thought leadership content, or institutional marketing narratives
- Experience with CRMs, pipeline building and tool management, sales intelligence platforms for institutional prospecting
- Proficient in use of AI tooling (e.g. Claude) for workflow automation and productivity enhancement on behalf of small, high‑performance teams
EEO Statement
OKX is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, or non‑job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.
Head of Strategic Institutions London, England, United Kingdom employer: OKX
At OKX, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation in the crypto space. Our London office fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture where collaboration and personal growth are at the forefront, offering employees unparalleled opportunities to expand their professional networks and develop their skills in a rapidly evolving industry. With a commitment to integrity and excellence, we empower our team members to make impactful contributions while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Institutions London, England, United Kingdom
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like OKX. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Institutions London, England, United Kingdom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to OKX.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on OKX's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at OKX
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with OKX.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at OKX will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former OKX employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.