Head of Direct Business and Digital Assets

ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bank in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head of Direct Business and Digital Assets to manage and develop direct trading channels. This strategic role involves overseeing digital assets, ensuring high-quality services, and collaborating with various stakeholders to drive growth and innovation. Candidates should have extensive experience in digital technology and compliance, with a strong focus on strategic vision and leadership.

Qualifications

• 15+ years total experience, including 7+ years in digital experience.
• Expertise in Digital Technology, Agile, and Design Thinking.
• Deep knowledge of digital asset regulations, KYC, AML.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the digital trading strategy for ADIB Securities.
• Drive digital trading volumes to meet growth and revenue targets.
• Manage relationships with third-party brokerage firms.

Skills

Strategic Acumen

Problem-Solving

Digital Asset Knowledge

Compliance Knowledge

Influencing Skills

Job description

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. The incumbent will work closely with leadership to shape & implement the Direct Business strategy based on market trends, technological breakthroughs, and customer behavior in the brokerage industry. Additionally, the role involves overseeing the growth, security, compliance, and innovation of digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies, CBDC, Tokenized payments, and other blockchain-based virtual assets for the retail bank. This position requires strategic vision, leadership skills, and deep industry knowledge to drive long-term growth and profitability.

Key Accountabilities of the role

1. Develop and execute the digital trading strategy for ADIB Securities, including platform enhancements, market expansion, and product development.
2. Drive digital trading volumes to meet growth and revenue targets, ensuring high standards in brokerage operations systems.
3. Collaborate with stakeholders across operations, compliance, and marketing to scale the securities trading business.
4. Monitor market trends and competitors to identify opportunities and threats.
5. Manage relationships with third-party brokerage firms and custodians to deliver client-centric products.
6. Implement best practices and streamline processes to improve client experience.
7. Manage budgets and resources for new initiatives to ensure profitability.
8. Develop client retention and marketing strategies to attract new clients.
9. Lead business analysis within ADIB Securities to drive sales through analytics.
10. Work with IT and digital teams to deploy resources for new product development.
11. Enhance product offerings in line with Sharia guidelines and seek necessary approvals.
12. Ensure consistency and quality of customer experience across all digital channels.
13. Address controls and risks to meet audit and regulatory requirements.
14. Maintain business continuity for digital platforms.
15. Reengineer and optimize business and operational processes.

Key Responsibilities [Digital Assets]

1. Develop and implement digital assets strategy, including product offerings and compliance.
2. Align digital assets initiatives with ADIB’s business goals.
3. Collaborate with IT to ensure scalable digital asset management platforms.
4. Promote adoption of blockchain technology to enhance capabilities.
5. Identify emerging trends and assess their business potential.
6. Manage the lifecycle of digital assets from acquisition to divestment.
7. Develop risk mitigation strategies for cybersecurity and fraud.
8. Monitor regulatory changes and update policies accordingly.
9. Serve as the main contact for digital asset matters, providing regular updates.

Technical Skills / Knowledge

1. Strong strategic, tactical, and business acumen with problem-solving skills.
2. Experience with digital asset exchanges, wallets, custody solutions, and blockchain protocols.
3. Background in digital assets, fintech, and compliance.
4. Knowledge of smart contracts, DeFi, and tokenization.
5. Ability to influence across levels in a dynamic environment.

Previous Experience

1. 15+ years total, including 7+ years in digital experience, with expertise in Digital Technology, Agile, and Design Thinking.
2. Banking and Brokerage experience is essential.
3. Experience in large-scale transformations and program leadership.
4. Deep knowledge of digital asset regulations, KYC, AML, and financial compliance.
5. Experience in risk management, cybersecurity, and secure digital asset handling.