Director, Digital Asset Operations

Role Overview 

BNY is seeking a future team member for the role of Director, Digital Asset Operations to provide senior operational leadership within the Digital Assets Business and Operations team. This role is located in New York City. 

Reporting to the Global Head of Digital Asset Operations, this role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and effective management of our operational processes, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the seamless delivery of services to our institutional clients. The Director is accountable for translating strategic direction into a scalable, resilient, and well-governed operating model across digital asset custody and related platforms. 

The ideal candidate has a security first approach and will possess a strong background in banking, finance, and/or fintech, with a deep understanding of all aspects of custody, execution (inclusive of the aspects of digital wallets, key management, and network providers) and reporting (operational, transactional, financial and regulatory) explicitly for institutional client’s digital assets and BNY’s use of blockchain-based technology. 

In this role, you’ll make an impact in the following ways: 

Operational Strategy: 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of operational strategies that align with the bank's vision and goals for the Digital Asset Business. 

• Identify areas for operational improvement and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Translate strategic objectives into operational plans, delivery of roadmaps, and measurable outcomes. 

Team Leadership: 

• Lead and manage the U.S. Operations team, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous learning. 

• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members. 

• Provide leadership coverage during non-standard hours when required, in line with agreed coverage and escalation models. 

Process Management: 

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and optimization of operational processes related to digital asset transactions, custody, key management, cold signing, contingency, and service. 

• Ensure scalability of U.S. operations to support growth and expansion into new markets, client segments, and asset classes. 

• Own day-to-day and tactical design of controls, reconciliations, escalation frameworks, coverage models, and risk governance across digital asset products. 

• Lead operational readiness for new products, clients, asset classes, and jurisdictional expansions, escalating material risks and blockers as appropriate. 

Compliance and Risk Management: 

• Collaborate with compliance, legal, and risk management teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies. 

• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes affecting digital assets to mitigate risks. 

• Serve as a senior escalation point for complex incidents, client issues, audits, and regulatory inquiries, coordinating resolution and communication. 

Technology Integration: 

• Work closely with the engineering and product development teams to leverage technology for operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience. 

• Ensure platforms, tooling, and workflows are operationally viable, secure, and scalable. 

Client Relations: 

• Build strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. 

• Address operational issues raised by clients and work to resolve them promptly. 

• Drive the design and implementation of a scalable, industry-leading client service model across various digital asset product offerings. 

Performance Metrics: 

• Define, monitor, and report key performance and risk indicators, escalating concerns and recommendations to the Head of Operations. 

Top Skills, Experiences and Expertise to be Master/Advanced in: 

• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and the digital asset landscape.  Deeper understanding of the nature of blockchain/digital asset operating model (securing key fragments/security vs settlement of traditional asset) and the differences. 

• Operational Excellence: Proven experience in managing operations in a digital asset environment, with a focus on process optimization, friction points (controls) and especially actions taken in the event of a failure or break. Demonstrated experience implementing operational risk management frameworks, controls, and reconciliations in regulated environments. 

• Leadership & Collaboration: Strong leadership capabilities, with experience in building and leading high-performing teams and the next generation of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Ability to work cross-functionally with product, tech (engineering and IT), compliance, risk, finance other Operations teams to deliver on goals. Proven ability to drive execution in complex and evolving operating environments. 

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategic operational initiatives that align with the product’s strategic roadmap and company’s overall goals. 

• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics to drive decision-making and operational improvements. 

• Customer Focus: Commitment to enhancing customer experience through operational excellence and service delivery on the DAC platforms, while delivering KPI’s to the business. 

Qualifications 

• 10+ years of experience in operations management, preferably within a banking, fintech, or digital asset environment. 
• EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred. Relevant professional certification in operations, risk management, project/change management, or related disciplines is advantageous.

• 3+ years of deep understanding of blockchain technology and digital asset management. 

• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and managing complex operational processes. 

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively. 

• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements in the digital asset space. 

BNY assesses market data to ensure a competitive compensation package for our employees. The base salary for this position is expected to be between $130,000 and $218,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base salary if hired will be determined on an individualized basis, including as to experience and market location, and is only part of the BNY total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, short and long-term incentive packages, and company- sponsored benefit programs.

This position is at-will and the Company reserves the right to modify base (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, change in geographic location, Company or individual department/team.