At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Risk team and manage risk frameworks for a top DeFi protocol.
- Company: Join a pioneering company in the DeFi space with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving best-in-class risk management.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions in a fast-paced, cutting-edge industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in risk management, preferably in DeFi or crypto.
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: P2P
Aave is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the DeFi space. With a strong emphasis on leadership and innovation, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and accountability. The opportunity to lead a dedicated team while shaping risk management frameworks in a rapidly evolving market makes Aave a unique and rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk
✨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 P2P looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk
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 P2P. 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 P2P
✨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 P2P’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
