Head of Digital Assets

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Compensation: $150,000 – $200,000 base + discretionary bonus

Type: Full-Time

About Us

RQD* Clearing is a next-generation correspondent clearing firm built to support the most innovative FinTechs, Retail and Institutional Broker-Dealers, RIAs, and Foreign Brokers. Headquartered in New York and built entirely on cloud-native, real-time technology, RQD delivers seamless clearing, custody, and execution solutions in today's rapidly evolving financial landscape. We are a fast-growing firm with an entrepreneurial culture, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to improving markets for all participants.

As we continue to expand our capabilities into digital assets and tokenized securities, we are seeking a visionary Head of Digital Assets to help define and execute RQD's strategy across the full digital asset spectrum — from infrastructure and compliance to client strategy and product development.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned digital asset professional to step into a leadership role at a rapidly scaling clearing firm at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets. You will work directly with RQD's senior management team to lead the vision, strategy, and day-to-day execution of our digital asset initiatives. You will be the firm's subject matter expert across the full digital asset landscape — bringing your depth of knowledge to bear on smart contracts, stablecoin infrastructure, tokenization, and regulatory compliance.

This is not a supporting role — it is a seat at the table. You will shape how RQD enters and grows in the digital asset space.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior management to define and execute RQD’s digital asset strategy, roadmap, and market positioning
• Lead the evaluation, design, and integration of digital asset capabilities across RQD’s clearing and custody platform
• Oversee smart contract analysis, blockchain infrastructure considerations, and tokenized asset settlement workflows
• Develop and maintain the firm’s digital asset compliance framework, including AML/KYC, regulatory reporting, and evolving SEC/CFTC guidance
• Serve as the internal expert on stablecoins, tokenized securities, DeFi protocols, and digital asset market structure
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Technology, Compliance, and Sales teams to embed digital asset capabilities into the firm’s broader service offerings
• Monitor regulatory developments at federal and state levels and assess their impact on the firm’s digital asset strategy
• Evaluate and manage relationships with digital asset custodians, exchanges, technology vendors, and other third-party partners
• Support business development efforts by educating prospective clients on RQD’s digital asset capabilities and acting as a subject matter expert in client conversations
• Produce clear, concise internal and external communications — white papers, briefings, and regulatory filings as needed

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in digital assets, cryptocurrency, or blockchain technology in a professional capacity
• Deep understanding of smart contracts (Solidity or similar), blockchain protocols, and Layer 1/Layer 2 infrastructure
• Strong working knowledge of stablecoin mechanics, tokenized assets, and DeFi ecosystems
• Experience with on-chain compliance tooling (Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs, or similar)
• Familiarity with digital asset regulatory frameworks: FinCEN, OFAC, state money transmission laws, SEC/CFTC digital asset guidance, and travel rule compliance
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into business strategy and client-facing materials
• Experience collaborating with legal, compliance, and operations teams in a regulated financial environment
• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter mentality — comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a small, high-performing team
• Prior experience at or with a broker-dealer, clearing firm, custody provider, or financial market infrastructure a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $150,000 – $200,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Discretionary annual bonus – Based on individual and company performance
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible, hybrid work environment headquartered in New York, NY
• Direct access to senior leadership and meaningful input on firm strategy from day one