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

As a Senior Risk Management Specialist focused on Digital Assets at Northern Trust, you will lead and enhance risk oversight across blockchain-based technologies and digital asset initiatives. You will identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks associated with distributed ledger technologies, digital asset products, tokenisation, smart contracts, custody solutions, and emerging blockchain ecosystems. Reporting to the Head of Non-Financial Risk or Business Unit Chief Risk Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the firm's approach to Digital Asset Risk Management while supporting the safe adoption of blockchain-enabled technologies across the organisation.

What you'll do

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

What you bring

• A 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
• A 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
• The 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
• The right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application and for the duration of employment

Nice to have

• Professional certifications such as FRM, CRISC, CISA, CBSP, or other relevant risk, technology, cybersecurity, or blockchain qualifications

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, serving the world's most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. With over 135 years of financial experience and more than 24,000 partners, the firm provides leading technology and exceptional service to sophisticated clients worldwide.