Head of Safeguarding (PCF-57)

Noel Group; Dublin; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Noel Group is seeking an experienced Head of Safeguarding (PCF-57) to build and lead the safeguarding framework for a regulated European operation expanding in Ireland. You will shape governance, client asset protection and safeguarding culture from the ground up.

Lead governance across safeguarding, client assets and custody, ensuring segregation of client funds, and direct reporting to senior management and the Board. This is a senior leadership role in a fast-growing digital assets business.

Qualifications

• Experience in a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong safeguarding, client assets and custody knowledge.
• Experience engaging with regulators and auditors.
• Ability to lead governance, risk and controls in a new regulated business.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and client asset protection framework.
• Own custody framework and safeguarding controls.
• Ensure protection and segregation of client assets and funds.
• Oversee custody operations, reconciliations and safeguarding processes.
• Maintain governance and control environments around client assets.
• Monitor safeguarding risks, incidents and operational exceptions.
• Collaborate with Risk, Compliance and Operations for regulatory alignment.
• Deliver safeguarding reporting to Exec Management, Audit & Risk Committee and the Board.
• Support regulatory engagement, inspections and external audits.
• Contribute to operational resilience, recovery and wind-down planning.

Skills

Safeguarding

Client assets

Custody

Operations

Controls

Job description

Are you an experienced safeguarding, client assets or custody professional looking to play a key role in building a regulated business from the ground up?

An established international digital assets, payments and financial infrastructure business headquartered in Madrid is expanding its regulated European operations through Ireland and is seeking a Head of Safeguarding (PCF-57) to join its growing leadership team.

This is a unique opportunity to establish and lead the safeguarding framework of a business currently progressing regulatory authorisation, while helping shape governance, client asset protection, operational controls and safeguarding culture from the outset.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the firm's safeguarding and client asset protection framework.
• Own the Custody Framework and associated safeguarding controls.
• Ensure the protection and segregation of client assets and funds.
• Oversee custody operations, reconciliations and safeguarding processes.
• Maintain strong governance and control environments around client assets.
• Monitor safeguarding risks, incidents and operational exceptions.
• Work closely with Risk, Compliance and Operations teams to ensure regulatory alignment.
• Deliver safeguarding reporting to Executive Management, Audit & Risk Committee and the Board.
• Support regulatory engagement, inspections and external audits.
• Contribute to operational resilience, recovery and wind-down planning activities.
• Help build and enhance safeguarding policies, procedures and governance frameworks.

About You

• Experience within a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong experience across safeguarding, client assets, custody, operations or controls functions.
• Experience gained within Payments, E-Money, Banking, Securities Services, Asset Servicing, Fintech or Digital Assets would be highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and client asset protection requirements.
• Experience managing reconciliations, controls and operational oversight processes.
• Ability to engage effectively with regulators, auditors and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ambitious and motivated to help build a regulated business from an early stage.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to hold a PCF-57 Controlled Function position.
• Join an established international organisation headquartered in Madrid.
• Play a key role in shaping the safeguarding and client asset protection framework of a regulated business.
• Work directly with senior leadership, regulators and Board members.
• Help build a regulated platform operating across digital assets, payments and financial infrastructure.
• Join a well-capitalised organisation with ambitious long-term growth plans.
• Significant influence during an exciting build and growth phase.