Head of Digital Assets

About the role

This role involves defining and executing the firm's digital asset strategy, working closely with senior management. The Head of Digital Assets will lead the integration of digital asset capabilities into RQD's clearing and custody platform, including evaluating smart contracts and blockchain infrastructure. Success in this position means establishing a robust digital asset framework that aligns with business goals and regulatory requirements.

The position requires cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Technology, Compliance, and Sales teams to embed digital asset services across the firm. This includes serving as the internal expert on stablecoins, tokenized securities, and DeFi protocols, while also monitoring regulatory changes to assess their impact on strategy. The individual will also manage relationships with external partners like custodians and exchanges.

A key part of the role is developing and maintaining the firm’s digital asset compliance framework, covering AML/KYC and regulatory reporting, particularly concerning SEC/CFTC guidance. The Head of Digital Assets will also support business development by educating clients on the firm’s capabilities and acting as a subject matter expert in client interactions, producing communications such as white papers and regulatory filings.

The base salary for this role is between $150,000 and $200,000, with an additional discretionary annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

Skills that matter here

• digital assets, cryptocurrency, or blockchain technology: This role requires at least five years of practical experience in these areas to lead strategic initiatives.
• smart contracts (Solidity or similar), blockchain protocols, and Layer 1/Layer 2 infrastructure: A deep understanding of these technologies is necessary for evaluating and designing digital asset capabilities.
• stablecoin mechanics, tokenized assets, and DeFi ecosystems: The role requires strong working knowledge of these concepts to serve as an internal subject matter expert.
• on-chain compliance tooling (Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs, or similar): Experience with these tools is needed for developing and maintaining the firm's digital asset compliance framework.
• digital asset regulatory frameworks: Familiarity with various regulatory bodies and guidelines is crucial for ensuring compliance and assessing strategic impact.
• broker-dealer, clearing firm, custody provider, or financial market infrastructure: Prior experience in these financial environments is beneficial for understanding the context of digital asset integration.

Who this role suits

• You have a self-starter mentality and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.
• You are adept at translating complex technical concepts into clear business strategies and client-facing materials.
• You possess exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• You are comfortable collaborating with legal, compliance, and operations teams in a regulated financial environment.

From the employer

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior management to define and execute RQD’s digital asset strategy, roadmap, and market positioning
• Lead the evaluation, design, and integration of digital asset capabilities across RQD’s clearing and custody platform
• Oversee smart contract analysis, blockchain infrastructure considerations, and tokenized asset settlement workflows
• Develop and maintain the firm’s digital asset compliance framework, including AML/KYC, regulatory reporting, and evolving SEC/CFTC guidance
• Serve as the internal expert on stablecoins, tokenized securities, DeFi protocols, and digital asset market structure
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Technology, Compliance, and Sales teams to embed digital asset capabilities into the firm’s broader service offerings
• Monitor regulatory developments at federal and state levels and assess their impact on the firm’s digital asset strategy
• Evaluate and manage relationships with digital asset custodians, exchanges, technology vendors, and other third-party partners
• Support business development efforts by educating prospective clients on RQD’s digital asset capabilities and acting as a subject matter expert in client conversations
• Produce clear, concise internal and external communications — white papers, briefings, and regulatory filings as needed

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in digital assets, cryptocurrency, or blockchain technology in a professional capacity
• Deep understanding of smart contracts (Solidity or similar), blockchain protocols, and Layer 1/Layer 2 infrastructure
• Strong working knowledge of stablecoin mechanics, tokenized assets, and DeFi ecosystems
• Experience with on-chain compliance tooling (Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs, or similar)
• Familiarity with digital asset regulatory frameworks: FinCEN, OFAC, state money transmission laws, SEC/CFTC digital asset guidance, and travel rule compliance
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into business strategy and client-facing materials
• Experience collaborating with legal, compliance, and operations teams in a regulated financial environment
• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter mentality — comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a small, high-performing team
• Prior experience at or with a broker-dealer, clearing firm, custody provider, or financial market infrastructure a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $150,000 – $200,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Discretionary annual bonus – Based on individual and company performance
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible, hybrid work environment headquartered in New York, NY
• Direct access to senior leadership and meaningful input on firm strategy from day one