AVP - Digital Asset Risk Analyst, Operational Risk Officer

AVP - Digital Asset Risk Analyst, Operational Risk Officer

About BNP Paribas Group

BNP Paribas is the European Union’s leading bank and a key player in international banking. It operates in 65 countries and has nearly 185,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group holds key positions across its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services; Investment & Protection Services; and Corporate & Institutional Banking. Guided by its strong diversified and integrated model, BNP Paribas assists clients—from individuals to institutional clients—in realizing their projects through comprehensive solutions spanning financing, investment, savings, and protection insurance. The Group has four domestic markets in Europe: Belgium, France, Italy, and Luxembourg, and is expanding its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a significant international banking player, BNP Paribas maintains leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a robust presence in the Americas, and a solid, rapidly growing business in Asia-Pacific. The bank integrates a Corporate Social Responsibility approach into all its activities, contributing to a sustainable future while ensuring its performance and stability.

About BNP Paribas India Solutions

Established in 2005, BNP Paribas India Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas SA, the European Union’s leading bank with an international reach. With 24x7 global delivery centers situated in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai, India Solutions serves three core business lines: Corporate and Institutional Banking, Investment Solutions, and Retail Banking across the entire BNP Paribas Group. Driving innovation and growth, the organization leverages the potential of over 10,000 employees to provide support and develop best-in-class solutions.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At BNP Paribas, diversity is passionately embraced, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace is paramount. All employees are valued, respected, and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. Discrimination and harassment of any kind are strictly prohibited, and policies promote equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants, regardless of gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, social status, mental or physical disabilities, or veteran status. As a global Bank, BNP Paribas firmly believes that the inclusion and diversity of its teams are crucial to its success in serving clients and the communities in which it operates.

About Business Line/Function

RISK Operational Risk Management (RISK ORM) functions as the second line of defense within BNP Paribas. It is an integral part of the Risk Function (RISK) of BNP Paribas, with global responsibility under the Group Chief Risk Officer. The Independent Control Testing team within ISPL RISK ORM provides support to the global RISK ORM function, whose mission is to deliver a front-to-back consolidated view of operational risk activities, thereby contributing to the reduction of operational risk and enhancing responsiveness to Regulator's expectations.

Position Purpose

The purpose of this role is to provide expert risk analysis and management, ensuring the secure and compliant advancement of BNP Paribas’ digital asset strategy and operations. As a Digital Asset Risk Analyst, you will be a key contributor supporting the Head of Digital Asset Initiatives in the strategic governance, oversight, and operational risk management of the organization's digital asset endeavors. Responsibilities include conducting in-depth analysis, developing robust risk frameworks and procedures, and offering expert insights on blockchain platforms, crypto assets, and emerging digital technologies. The role involves significant collaboration with diverse teams and demands a strong understanding of the digital asset landscape and its associated risks.

Responsibilities

• Operational Risk Procedure Development: Lead the research, drafting, and maintenance of operational risk procedures specifically for the management of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platforms and related digital asset activities, ensuring strict alignment with industry best practices and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Committee Support and Strategic Insights: Proactively prepare comprehensive briefing materials, conduct thorough in-depth analysis for strategic committees, and provide insightful perspectives to the Head of Digital Asset Initiatives for their active participation in Digital Assets Strategic Committees. Responsibilities also include tracking action items and ensuring effective communication of updates and critical decisions.
• Governance and Oversight Support: Conduct detailed analysis and provide expert support in the governance and oversight of group-level blockchain platforms, digital asset custody solutions, and ongoing digital asset initiatives, including direct involvement with the ECB CBDC pilot. This encompasses monitoring key risk metrics, proactively identifying potential issues, and recommending effective mitigation strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Evaluation: Actively collaborate with Business, Compliance, and Entity RISK teams in the rigorous evaluation and successful rollout of blockchain and crypto market data solutions. This involves providing specialized risk-focused expertise and ensuring that robust risk controls are seamlessly integrated into all processes.
• Risk Assessment and Emerging Threat Analysis: Conduct thorough and proactive risk assessments of both existing and emerging digital asset initiatives. This includes identifying potential vulnerabilities, developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies, and consistently staying abreast of the latest trends, evolving threats, and critical regulatory developments within the dynamic digital asset space.
• Blueprint Exercise Contribution: Play a significant and impactful role in the group-wide blockchain blueprint exercise, contributing specialized risk management expertise, conducting detailed analytical work, and ensuring the comprehensive integration of robust risk considerations into the overarching strategic framework.
• Training Material Development and Delivery Support: Develop comprehensive and engaging training materials, and provide essential support to the Head of Digital Asset Initiatives in the effective delivery of training sessions specifically focused on digital asset risks for other Operational Risk Officers (OROs).
• NAC/TAC Review and SME Support: Act as a primary point of contact and provide expert Group RISK ORM Subject Matter Expert (SME) input in entity-level New Activity Committee (NAC)/Technological Acquisition Committee (TAC) reviews and Technical Validation Committees (TVCs) specifically related to digital assets, ensuring thorough risk assessment and the implementation of appropriate controls.

Technical & Behavioral Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field; a master’s degree is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrable and in-depth knowledge and understanding of digital assets, blockchain technology (including various protocols like Ethereum, Bitcoin, etc.), cryptocurrency markets, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and the related regulatory landscapes.
• Proven experience in a risk management role with a specific focus on digital assets, cryptocurrency, or blockchain technology.
• Strong understanding of operational risk management frameworks, methodologies, and their practical application to digital assets, including hands-on experience in drafting and implementing robust risk procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently assess complex risks and develop effective, practical solutions, including experience with blockchain analytics tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and risk-related concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously, and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and thoroughness in all work.
• Proficiency in using data analysis tools (e.g., Python, SQL) and other relevant software applications.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and to build strong, productive working relationships.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator (CCI), Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP), Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE), or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) are highly preferred.
• Familiarity with smart contract security concepts and various digital asset custody solutions is a significant advantage.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity threats specifically pertaining to the digital asset space is highly desirable.

Other

• Participate actively in the annual program of deep dive and thematic reviews, particularly where these relate to Digital Assets, and thoroughly understand the lessons learned from these exercises.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements that specifically relate to Digital Asset risk.
• Contribute meaningfully to the Permanent Control framework for the effective implementation of policies and procedures into day-to-day business activities, such as the Control Plan.
• Comply meticulously with all regulatory requirements and internal guidelines.
• Contribute diligently to the accurate reporting of all incidents according to the established Incident Management System.

Specific Qualifications

• Proven experience (minimum 3 years) in a risk management role with a specific focus on digital assets, cryptocurrency, or blockchain technology.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator (CCI), Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP), Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE), or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) are highly preferred.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

Skills Referential (Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities)

The successful candidate will possess a proven track record in managing risk and technology within large/global organizations, coupled with robust knowledge of technology, risks and controls, IT and cloud risk, cybersecurity, operational resilience, and third-party technology risk management. Prior ICT risk experience and exposure to the Financial Services industry are mandatory requirements. Experience with risk management tools and information systems is also beneficial.

Education Level: Bachelor’s or Post graduate degree

Location: Mumbai

Key skills/competency

• Digital Asset Risk
• Blockchain Technology
• Operational Risk Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• DLT Platforms
• Crypto Assets
• Risk Assessment
• Data Analysis (Python, SQL)
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Cybersecurity Threats