Head of Direct Business and Digital Assets

Role : Head of Direct Business and Digital Assets
Location : Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose:

The Head of Direct Business and Digital Assets will manage and develop ADIB Sec. direct trading channels, ensuring the provision of high-quality products and services to clients. Incumbent will work closely with leadership to shape & implement the Direct Business strategy based on thorough understanding of market trends, technical breakthroughs, and customer behavior in the brokerage industry, Furthermore, the incumbent will oversee the growth, security, compliance, and innovation of digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies, CBDC, Tokenized payments and other blockchain-based products of virtual assets for the retail bank. This role requires strategic vision, leadership skills and deep industry knowledge to drive long term growth and profitability.

Key Accountabilities of the role

• Develop and execute direct banking / online trading strategy for ADIB securities business including implementing /enhancing the digital trading platform / capabilities, expansion into new markets, enhancement of product offerings and service capabilities.
• Driving digital trading volumes to achieve growth/revenue targets, thus ensuring all features related to brokerage operations systems are held to the highest standards.
• Working with key stakeholders including operations, compliance, marketing to scale up the securities trading business.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
• Spearhead operational and business relationships with 3^rd party correspondent brokerage firms and custodians to deliver best in class products suited to clients.
• Implement best practices and streamline processes to enhance client experience.
• Manage additional budgets and resources required against financial performance of new initiatives thus ensuring profitability.
• Develop and implement client retention strategies.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies to attract new clients.
• Commence and lead the business analysis function within ADIB Securities to drive sales based on analytics and data.
• Work closely with ADIB ITD and digital team to manage & deploy resources including engineering, development, operations, business analysis and data science to drive new products.
• Enhance ADIB Securities product offering in line with Sharia guidelines via digital solutions, propose new products and asset classes which can be offered to clients, seek approvals for such products from internal sharia, corresponding markets and regulators.
• Guarantee the consistency and quality of the customer experience across all digital channels and touch points
• Ensure all controls and risks are addressed and managed properly, thus the business systems meet the required internal/external Audit as well as regulatory items.
• Ensure continuity and operating services for APP & Web to ensure business continuity.
• Reengineer/Optimize business and operating processes across the organization

Key Responsibilities [Digital Assets]

• Develop digital assets strategy and implementation plan for the business including development of product offerings and capabilities, identifying used cases for market roll out and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement the digital assets strategy, aligning it with ADIB’s business goals.
• Collaborate with IT and development teams to ensure robust and scalable digital asset management platforms.
• Drive the adoption of blockchain technology to enhance ADIB’s digital assets capabilities
• Identify emerging trends in the digital assets space and assess their potential for the business.
• Oversee the lifecycle management of digital assets, from acquisition to storage, trading, and divestment.
• Develop risk assessment and mitigation strategies to safeguard assets against cybersecurity threats and fraud.
• Monitor changes in regulatory environments affecting digital assets and proactively update policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for digital asset matters, working closely with executives and key stakeholders.
• Provide regular reports and updates on the status and performance of digital assets.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:

• Superior intellect, strategic and tactical thinking ability, combined with a strong business sense to challenge the status-quo
• Very strong problem-solving skills (analytical skills, creativity and logical thinking) to tackle complex issues; may go beyond application of existing know-how
• Capability to develop and articulate reliable plans and link them to functional and business financial plans
• Experience with digital asset exchanges, wallets, custody solutions, and blockchain protocols.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital assets, financial technology, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), and tokenization processes.
• Ability to effectively influence people of all levels in a fast-moving environment, energetic, enthusiasm, commitment, courage and entrepreneurial excitement, with a desire for ownership.

Previous experience:

• 15+ years of total experience including 7+ years of best-in-class digital experience and knowledge, with a deep understanding of Digital Technology, Agile and Design Thinking
• Banking and Brokerage experience is a must.
• Experience in large company transformations (typically in the consumer and technology sectors), and the managerial ability to lead and see programs through completion
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance standards for digital assets, including KYC, AML, and other financial regulations.
• Experience in risk management, cybersecurity, and secure handling of digital assets.