Head of Digital Assets Technology

At Franklin Templeton, we’re advancing our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we provide opportunities to help you reach your potential while helping our clients reach theirs.

Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!

About The Role

The Head of Digital Assets Technology is accountable for the performance and results of the technology organization for Digital Assets, with a primary focus on capability expansion, operational uptime, accuracy, and invention.

This role develops and drives strategic and operational plans for digital asset platforms, products, and services. Collaborating with technology partners, external vendors, and business leaders, the successful candidate will design and deliver secure, scalable, and innovative digital asset solutions that align with the firm and industry’s transformation goals.

What will the Head of Digital Assets be responsible for?

Leads an organization of teams involved in the development, design, and optimization of digital asset technologies and supporting systems.

Oversee planning and delivery of digital asset infrastructure, including blockchain-based platforms, tokenization frameworks, and key security solutions. Duties include managing architecture design, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and performing needs assessments for digital asset adoption.

Analyzes current business practices to identify opportunities for leveraging digital assets to enhance business models. Manages vendor relationships to assess emerging technologies and their architectural impact. Ensures proper training and documentation for enterprise-wide digital asset systems and integrates next-generation technologies into the firm’s strategy.

Able to effectively coach and mentor all roles within the software and hardware development organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Contribution

• Develop and execute the digital asset strategy, aligning with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Influence IT strategy by leveraging expertise in blockchain, tokenization, and digital asset custody.

Software Product & Service Delivery

• Drive execution and delivery of digital asset platforms and services.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in digital asset products, ensuring operational resilience and risk management.

Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders and external partners in the digital asset ecosystem.
• Negotiate partnerships with technology providers, custodians, and compliance vendors.

Technical Expertise

• Provide thought leadership on emerging trends in digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), and tokenization.
• Act as a coach and advisor to technology teams on digital asset architecture and security best practices.

Talent Management

• Find and refine the best possible team of technologists that we can.
• Build and develop teams with expertise in blockchain engineering, digital asset operations, and cybersecurity.
• Mentor future leaders in digital asset technology.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage budgets for digital asset initiatives.
• Ensure financial targets are met while supporting innovation and compliance.

Success Metrics & KPIs

• Digital Asset Issuance Coverage: Lead the development of general-purpose token issuance and management capabilities.
• Platform Uptime & Security: Maintain 99.9% uptime and zero critical security breaches across all digital asset platforms.
• Innovation Pipeline: Launch at least 6 new digital asset products or services within the first year.
• Regulatory Compliance: Achieve 100% compliance with applicable digital asset regulations and audit requirements.
• Cost Efficiency: Deliver digital asset initiatives within acceptable margin of approved budget.
• Talent Development: Retain key digital asset team members.
• Client Engagement: Increase client adoption of digital asset services by 100% year-over-year.

Education

• Specialized knowledge in blockchain, cryptography, or digital asset management a plus.

Required Experience

• 5–10 years of progressive leadership in technology, with excellent general knowledge of financial services, the asset lifecycle, digital assets, blockchain, or tokenization.
• Recognized expertise in asset trading platforms, technology service development and delivery, and system optimization.
• Significant experience designing and developing business software systems, with practical knowledge of software development.

Along with base compensation, other compensation is offered such as a discretionary bonus, 401k plan, health insurance, and other perks. There are several factors taken into consideration in making compensation decisions including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. At Franklin Templeton, we apply a total reward philosophy where all aspects of compensation and benefits are taken into consideration in determining compensation. We expect the salary for this position to range between USD $198,000 – $270,000.

Experience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential!

Our culture is shaped by the variety of perspectives and experiences brought by talent from around the world. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there’s a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life.

By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life’s adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have your needs covered. Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton.

Highlights Of Our Benefits Include

• Three weeks paid time off the first year
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 85% company match on your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to the IRS limits
• Employee Stock Investment Program
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Purchase of company funds with no sales charge
• Onsite fitness center and recreation center*
• Onsite cafeteria*
• Only applicable at certain locations

Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to [email protected]. In your email, please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response.