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About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded compliance leader to serve as the firm's Digital Assets Compliance Lead, providing enterprise-wide oversight of compliance risk associated with digital assets, blockchain technologies, and related emerging markets. This senior leadership role will be responsible for shaping the firm's digital assets compliance strategy, governance framework, and risk management approach, while acting as a trusted advisor to senior business, risk, and executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead the identification, assessment, and oversight of compliance risks arising from digital assets, blockchain technologies, tokenisation, stablecoins, digital custody solutions, smart contracts, and other emerging market developments.
Provide compliance oversight and challenge for new products, services, platforms, partnerships, and strategic initiatives involving digital assets.
Monitor and assess regulatory, market, and technological developments, advising senior stakeholders on emerging risks, opportunities, and potential business impacts.
Support the development of risk appetite, governance standards, and control frameworks relating to digital asset activities across the enterprise.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior business, risk, legal, and technology stakeholders on digital asset-related initiatives and regulatory considerations.
Provide independent and constructive challenge to strategic proposals, product developments, and business activities to ensure compliance risks are appropriately identified and managed.
Partner with stakeholders to support innovation while maintaining alignment with regulatory obligations and the firm's risk management objectives.
Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of the firm's digital assets compliance framework.
Ensure digital asset risks are appropriately embedded within governance structures, risk reporting, escalation processes, and product approval frameworks.
Collaborate across Compliance, Risk, Legal, Technology, Operations, and Business teams to maintain an effective control environment.
Interpret and assess evolving regulatory requirements impacting digital assets and blockchain technologies across relevant jurisdictions.
Provide subject matter expertise on key regulatory developments, supervisory expectations, and industry best practices.
Represent Compliance in governance forums, risk committees, regulatory engagements, and strategic discussions relating to digital assets.
Partner with stakeholders to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Develop and oversee management information, reporting, and risk indicators relating to digital asset activities and emerging compliance risks.
Provide regular reporting and insights to senior management, governance committees, and other relevant stakeholders.
Ensure material compliance issues, control deficiencies, and emerging risks are identified, escalated, and addressed appropriately.
Work closely with Technology, Cybersecurity, and Operational Risk teams to assess risks associated with blockchain infrastructure, digital custody arrangements, smart contracts, and third-party service providers.
Support the evaluation of technology, operational resilience, cybersecurity, outsourcing, and regulatory risks within digital asset ecosystems.
Promote a proactive and risk-focused approach to emerging technologies and market developments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Risk Management, Economics, Business, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Advanced degree and/or professional qualifications preferred.
10-15+ years of experience in Compliance, Risk Management, Regulatory Affairs, Financial Services, or a related discipline, including significant exposure to digital assets and blockchain technologies.
Demonstrated experience operating in a senior second line of defence (2LOD) compliance or risk management role within a regulated financial services environment.
Deep understanding of digital asset ecosystems, including cryptocurrencies, blockchain networks, tokenisation, stablecoins, digital custody models, smart contracts, and emerging market developments.
Strong knowledge of global regulatory frameworks and supervisory expectations impacting digital assets and financial markets.
Experience advising senior executives and business leaders on regulatory, compliance, governance, and risk management matters.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders, provide independent challenge, and support strategic decision-making in complex and evolving environments.
Strong commercial awareness, judgement, and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory and technical concepts into clear, practical business guidance.
Experience working across multiple functions including Compliance, Risk, Legal, Technology, Cybersecurity, Operations, and Front Office teams.
Applicants must have the right to work in Ireland at the time of application and for the duration of employment.
Northern Trust is unable to provide employment permit sponsorship for this role.

Skills

Digital Assets Compliance
Digital Assets
Blockchain Technologies
Tokenisation
Stablecoins
Digital Custody Solutions
Smart Contracts
Risk Management
Regulatory Affairs
Financial Services
Strategic Leadership
Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
Risk Assessment & Governance
Executive Stakeholder Management
Influencing & Credible Challenge
Commercial Judgement
Communication & Presentation Skills
Collaboration & Relationship Building
Change Management
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Innovation & Emerging Technology Awareness
Decision Making & Accountability

Location

Ireland

Work Type

Full-time

Experience Level

Senior
10-15+ years

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Law, Risk Management, Economics, Business, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Advanced degree and/or professional qualifications preferred.

Benefits

Flexible and collaborative work culture
Strong history of financial strength and stability
Movement within the organization is encouraged
Senior leaders are accessible
Commitment to an inclusive workplace
Assisting the communities we serve
Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history
Reasonable Accommodation for individuals with health conditions and disabilities

About the Company

Northern Trust is a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services.
Northern Trust guides the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.
Since 1889, Northern Trust has aligned its efforts with its three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity.
Northern Trust has more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners.
Northern Trust serves the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Equal Opportunity

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities.