Vice President – Core Operations (Digital Asset Custody Operations) Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Area + 1 more

The Vice President, Digital Asset Custody Operations, is responsible for leading the end-to-end custody operations function, ensuring the accurate, secure, and timely processing of digital asset transactions and related operational activities. The role oversees operational governance, reconciliations, settlements, exception management, and control frameworks to maintain the integrity, efficiency, and resilience of custody services.

Leading AVPs and Analysts, the VP drives operational excellence through process optimization, automation, scalability initiatives, and the implementation of best-in-class operating practices. Working closely with Product, Technology, Risk, Compliance, and Client Service teams, the Vice President will support business growth, regulatory adherence, and the delivery of a high-quality client experience. The role also provides strategic leadership to the operations organization, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, talent development, and alignment with global business objectives.

Job Background / Context

Citi is revolutionizing the future of digital asset management and blockchain integration. The Investor Services business is dedicated to building innovative solutions that redefine security, efficiency, and accessibility in the digital economy. The new team is setting the foundation for exponential growth in Digital Asset Servicing, pioneering operations across the group. Join a team where innovation is not just a buzzword, but the core of our DNA.

Investor Services Operations comprises of multiple operations groups supporting our Custody (Global and Direct), Funds and Execution Services businesses. This new and exciting space for our clients where our business is looking to lead the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct the daily operations of the digital asset custody team, establishing world-class standard for transaction execution across blockchain networks while upholding the service quality and resilience of the team.
• Manage & develop a team fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, & operational excellence.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex settlement exceptions, blockchain transaction failures, and reconciliation issues, ensuring timely resolution and client satisfaction.
• Own the implementation and adherence to risk and control frameworks, ensuring compliance with internal policies, industry standards, and global regulatory requirements.
• Represent Operations in discussions with technology and product teams to identify, design, and implement process automation, workflow improvements, and reporting enhancements.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for blockchain-based settlements, providing guidance on operational impacts of new products, protocols, and regulatory developments.
• Partner with the Head of Digital Asset Operations to execute strategic initiatives, including technology migrations, process re-engineering, and new product rollouts.
• Maintain strong governance and documentation standards, ensuring all operational procedures, risk assessments, and contingency plans are up to date.
• Monitor operational metrics, SLAs, and KPIs, taking proactive measures to maintain and improve service levels.
• This role operates within a 24/7 shift model to ensure continuous operational coverage.

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications

10 - 14+ years of relevant custody experience and at least 4 years of leadership experience in digital operations, technology, or financial services, directly focused on digital assets, blockchain, or distributed ledger technologies

Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of crypto and blockchain fundamentals (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger), various consensus mechanisms, decentralized finance, smart contracts, and token standards (ERC-20, ERC-721, etc.)

Operational Acumen: Proven track record of designing and scaling complex operational processes, ideally in a highly regulated environment. Experience with back-office operations, settlement, and reconciliation is highly desirable

Regulatory Knowledge: Strong comprehension of the current regulatory landscape for digital assets globally, and an ability to translate regulations into actionable operational and technical requirements

Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

Leadership & Stakeholder Acumen: Proven executive presence and diplomatic resilience; capable of aligning senior stakeholders across high pressure regulatory and/or technological transformations. Track record of building, coaching, and scaling a high performing operations team.

Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to analyse complex problems, identify root causes, and implement effective, scalable solutions

Risk & Control oriented: Demonstrated ability to embed strong risk awareness and control discipline into daily custody operations, ensure secure handling of client assets

Job Family Group:

Operations - Transaction Services

Job Family:

Securities and Derivatives Processing

Time Type:

Full time

Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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