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, collaborative 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 leading high-performance 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: P2P
DRW is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation, integrity, and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a CTO to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries and health insurance, DRW empowers its team to excel in a dynamic environment while working on cutting-edge technology in the heart of Chicago's financial district. The opportunity to lead the Derivnex platform within a forward-thinking firm ensures that employees are not only part of a successful trading operation but also at the forefront of the evolving landscape of OTC derivatives and blockchain technology.
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 the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that CTO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a blog where you share insights about blockchain technology, smart contracts, and OTC derivatives. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also get you noticed by potential employers like us at DRW.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of the financial market infrastructure. We want to see how you think and solve problems, so practice articulating your thought process clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace CTO - Derivnex in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with OTC derivatives and blockchain technology. We want to see how your skills align with the role of CTO at Derivnex!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a CTO, you'll be leading teams and driving technical strategy. Use your application to demonstrate your past leadership experiences and how you've built high-performance engineering organisations.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at P2P
✨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 workflows.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires leading high-performance engineering teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your communication style and how you foster collaboration across departments like trading and operations.
✨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.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about potential challenges in building secure, scalable systems and how you would address issues related to operational resilience and regulatory compliance.