Crypto Tech Lead
Crypto Technology Lead / Architect
Location: Hong Kong
Department: Technology / Digital Asset Build‑out
Employment Type: Full‑time
About Our Client
Our client is a fast‑growing, licensed Hong Kong financial institution holding SFC Type 1 / 4 / 9 licences. With a presence in Hong Kong and an expanding international footprint across Mainland China, Singapore, and major offshore financial centres, the firm delivers comprehensive investment banking and asset management services to global institutional clients.
They are now launching a new Digital Asset / Crypto Infrastructure Build‑out to support future product innovation, cross‑border financial technology, and institutional‑grade blockchain capabilities.
This hire will be the first crypto technology specialist in the organisation and will shape the architecture, technology stack, and long‑term roadmap.
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a Crypto Technology Lead / Architect to design, build, and deliver the firm's next‑generation digital asset infrastructure. This is a true greenfield role suited for a hands‑on technologist with experience building institutional‑grade crypto systems from scratch.
You will collaborate closely with senior management, compliance, operations, and external partners to define strategy, select vendors, and deliver secure and compliant digital asset capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Architecture & Strategy
- Define the end‑to‑end crypto technology roadmap supporting trading, asset management, and investment banking initiatives.
- Design and build the complete digital asset system architecture, including custody, trading, blockchain connectivity, and data pipelines.
- Advise senior leadership on crypto technology standards, security frameworks, and best practices.
2. Infrastructure Build‑Out
- Lead the greenfield development of:
- Digital asset trading connectivity (CEX/DEX/API integrations)
- Wallet infrastructure (MPC, HSM, hot/cold setup, custody vendor evaluation)
- Blockchain node management or third‑party integration
- Transaction monitoring, settlement workflows, internal controls
- Market data capture and analytics tools
3. Security & Risk Controls
- Implement institutional‑grade cybersecurity and key‑management controls.
- Ensure compliance with Hong Kong and international regulations (SFC, AML/CTF, auditability).
4. Vendor & Partner Management
- Select and manage vendors across custody, blockchain infrastructure, compliance, and trading.
- Build external partnerships to support global expansion.
5. Product Expansion
- Support development of:
- Tokenised products
- Crypto trading portfolios
- Structured digital instruments
- Cross‑border blockchain solutions
- Conduct feasibility studies for future business lines (staking, OTC, DeFi integrations).
6. Internal Enablement
- Create engineering documentation, standards, and governance frameworks.
- Establish and lead a crypto technology team in future phases.
Qualifications
Required
- 5-10+ years in crypto / blockchain / digital asset technology, ideally within regulated financial institutions.
- Expertise in:
- Blockchain networks (Ethereum, BTC, EVM chains)
- Wallet systems, MPC, key management
- API‑based trading infrastructure
- Crypto security and operational controls
- Strong hands‑on engineering experience (Python, Go, Rust, TypeScript, Java).
- Proven ability to build systems from zero to live production.
- Experience designing secure, scalable, compliant digital asset systems.
Preferred
- Familiarity with Hong Kong and Mainland China crypto regulatory frameworks.
- Institutional or buy‑side/sell‑side background.
- Experience with low‑latency or trading infrastructure.
- Knowledge of blockchain AML tools (Chainalysis, TRM, Elliptic).
What Our Client Offers
- A rare opportunity to architect and deliver a brand‑new crypto technology platform at a licensed financial institution.
- Strong compensation aligned to experience.
- High visibility with senior management and cross‑border markets.
- Freedom to define technical standards, lead strategy, and build a future team.
FAQs
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