Digital Asset & Emerging Technology Risk Principal
Northern Trust
Digital Asset & Emerging Technology Risk Principal
Northern Trust
Global wealth management and asset servicing
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.
RoleSummary:
We are seeking a forward-thinking risk professional to provide independent oversight and challenge of risks associated with digital assets, digital financial instruments, and emerging technologies, including blockchain, distributed ledger technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced cloud architectures. The ideal candidate will bring a balanced, risk-based perspective that enables innovation while ensuring risks are effectivelyidentified, assessed, and managed.
Operating at the intersection of cybersecurity, technology risk, and financial innovation, this role evaluates evolving threats, technology developments, and regulatory expectationsimpactingdigital asset ecosystems, with a particular focus on cyber and technology risk exposures.
The role partners with business, technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and risk stakeholders to promote the secure, resilient, and well-governed adoption of innovative technologies in alignment with the firm's risk appetite and regulatory obligations.
The successful candidate will translate complex technical concepts into actionable risk insights, provide credible challenge to strategic initiatives, supportexecutiveand committee-level decision-making, and help shape the firm's approach to managing risks associated with digital assets and emerging technologies.
KeyResponsibilities:
Support development and enhancement of risk taxonomy, policies, standards, and risk appetite metrics covering digital assets and emerging technologies.
Establish andmaintainrisk reporting, risk indicators, and governance processes for digital asset activities.
Monitor industry developments, emerging threats, and evolving regulatory expectationsimpactingdigital assets and distributed ledger technologies.
Assess cyber risks associated with blockchain ecosystems, including private key management, cryptographic controls, consensus mechanisms, node security, and on-chain transaction monitoring.
Evaluatecyber andtechnology control environments supporting digital asset platformsacross control domains including cloud-hosted and hybrid architectures supporting digital asset capabilities.
Interpret and assessimpactsof evolving regulatory requirements related tocryptocurrencies, stablecoins, digital custody, tokenization, distributed ledger technologies, and cybersecurity and operational resilience.
Support regulatory examinations, audits,issueremediation activities, and management responses.
Provide subject matterexpertiseto governance committees and senior management forums.
Partner with technology, cybersecurity, business, compliance, legal, operational risk, and architecture teams to evaluate emerging digital asset initiatives.
Adviseleadership on risk implicationsofnew products, services, and technology adoption.
Translate complex technical concepts into practical risk insights and actionable recommendations.
Qualifications:
Required
4+ years of technical experience in one or more of:
BlockchainSecurityBlockchainTechnology andSecurity
Crypto Custody (including MPC protocols)
Digital Asset Risk Management
8+ years of experience in one or more of:
Financial Services Risk Management
Cybersecurity
Technology Risk Management
Operational Risk
Information Security
Preferred
Experience with regulatory expectations and compliance in financial services
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear risk insights
Familiarity with quantum risk implications (cryptography,future-proofing)
Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and architecture risks
Professional certifications (e.g., FRM, CRISC, CISSP, CISA)
Work Authorization
Applicants must have the right to work in Ireland at the time of application and for the duration of employment.
Please note that Northern Trust is unable to provide employment permit sponsorship for this role. This includes Critical Skills Employment Permits, General Employment Permits, Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permits, Stamp 1G permissions, and other employment permits under Irish immigration frameworks.
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.
Global wealth management and asset servicing
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