Senior Risk Management Specialist, Digital Assets (Blockchain Technology Focus)

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. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

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. This includes Skilled Worker visas, Global Business Mobility routes, Graduate visas, Youth Mobility Scheme, High Potential Individual visas, Scale-up Worker visas, Temporary Worker visas, and other employer-sponsored visa categories.

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.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

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 at [email protected], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.