Digital Asset – Risk Management

Position Purpose

To provide expert risk analysis and management to ensure the secure and compliant advancement of BNP Paribas digital asset strategy and operations

As a Digital Asset Risk Analyst, you will be a key contributor in supporting the Head of Digital Asset Initiatives in the strategic governance, oversight, and operational risk management of the organization's digital asset initiatives. You will be responsible for conducting in-depth analysis, developing risk frameworks and procedures, and providing expert insights on blockchain platforms, crypto assets, and emerging digital technologies. Your role will involve significant collaboration with various teams and will require a strong understanding of the digital asset landscape and its associated risks.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Risk Procedure Development: Lead the research, drafting, and maintenance of operational risk procedures for the management of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platforms and related digital asset activities, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Committee Support and Strategic Insights: Proactively prepare comprehensive briefing materials, conduct in-depth analysis for strategic committees, and provide insightful perspectives to the Head of Digital Asset Initiatives for their participation in Digital Assets Strategic Committees. Track action items and ensure effective communication of updates and decisions.
• Governance and Oversight Support: Conduct detailed analysis and provide expert support in the governance and oversight of group-level blockchain platforms, custody solutions, and ongoing digital asset initiatives, including the ECB CBDC pilot. This includes monitoring risk metrics, identifying potential issues, and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Evaluation: Actively collaborate with Business, Compliance, and Entity RISK teams in the evaluation and rollout of blockchain and crypto market data solutions, providing risk-focused expertise and ensuring robust risk controls are integrated.
• Risk Assessment and Emerging Threat Analysis: Conduct thorough risk assessments of existing and emerging digital asset initiatives, identifying potential vulnerabilities and developing effective mitigation strategies. Stay abreast of the latest trends, threats, and regulatory developments in the digital asset space.
• Blueprint Exercise Contribution: Play a significant role in the group-wide blockchain blueprint exercise, contributing risk management expertise, conducting detailed analysis, and ensuring the integration of robust risk considerations into the overall strategy.
• Training Material Development and Delivery Support: Develop comprehensive training materials and support the Head of Digital Asset Initiatives in the delivery of training sessions on digital asset risks for Operational Risk Officers (OROs).
• NAC/TAC Review and SME Support: Act as a key point of contact and provide expert Group RISK ORM SME input in entity-level NAC/TAC reviews and TVCs related to digital assets, ensuring thorough risk assessment and appropriate controls.

Competencies (Technical / Behavioural)

• Bachelors degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field. A masters degree is a plus.
• Demonstrable and in-depth knowledge and understanding of digital assets, blockchain technology (including various protocols like Ethereum, Bitcoin, etc.), cryptocurrency markets, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and related regulatory landscapes.
• Proven experience (3 Years) in a risk management role with a specific focus on digital assets, cryptocurrency, or blockchain technology.
• Strong understanding of operational risk management frameworks, methodologies, and their application to digital assets, including experience in drafting and implementing risk procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently assess complex risks and develop effective solutions, including experience with blockchain analytics tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and risk-related concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple complex tasks, and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and thoroughness.
• Proficiency in using data analysis tools (e.g., Python, SQL) and relevant software.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator (CCI), Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP), Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE), or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) are highly preferred.
• Familiarity with smart contract security concepts and digital asset custody solutions is a significant advantage.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity threats specific to the digital asset space is desirable

Other:

• Participate in the annual programme of deep dive and thematic reviews, where these relate to Digital Assets and understand the lessons learnt.
• Provide advice and guidance on compliance with regulatory requirements that relate to Digital Asset risk
• Contribute to the Permanent Control framework for implementation of policies and procedures in day-to-day business activities, such as Control Plan.
• Comply with regulatory requirements and internal guidelines.
• Contribute to the reporting of all incidents according to the Incident Management System

Conduct

• Demonstrate proactivity, transparency and accountability for identifying and managing conduct risks
• Consider the implications of actions on colleagues, partners and clients before making decisions and escalate issues to manager when unsure

Specific Qualifications Required

• Proven experience 4 year plus in a risk management role with a specific focus on digital assets, cryptocurrency, or blockchain technology
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator (CCI), Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP), Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE), or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) are highly preferred.
• Project management skills