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.

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…