DeFi Jobs

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | U.S. Crypto Exchange | NewYork (Remote/Hybrid)

Albert Bow has partnered exclusively with one of the largest and most innovative cryptocurrency exchanges in the U.S. to find their next CTO. This is a retained search for what is arguably one of the most exciting and high-impact technology leadership roles in the global crypto space right now. Our client is a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange, handling billions in daily trading volume and serving millions of users globally. With a relentless focus on security, scalability, and regulatory compliance, they are at the forefront of innovation in decentralised finance (DeFi), blockchain infrastructure, and institutional crypto adoption. As they continue their rapid expansion, they are looking for a world-class technology leader to scale and enhance their entire engineering and product function.

As CTO, you will be responsible for the entire technology function, leading a department of up to 200 highly skilled professionals across engineering, data, AI, product, design, and quantitative research. You will drive the company’s technical vision, strategy, and execution, ensuring that their exchange remains the most secure, scalable, and innovative platform in the industry.

You will report directly to the CEO and work closely with the C-suite, board members, and key stakeholders to align technology with business objectives. This is an opportunity to lead a team building groundbreaking financial infrastructure that supports the next generation of crypto traders, institutions, and DeFi applications.

Key Responsibilities:

Technology Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the company’s technology roadmap, ensuring it aligns with business goals and regulatory requirements.
• Drive scalability, security, and performance improvements across the exchange platform, ensuring it can handle high-frequency, low-latency trading at global scale.
• Spearhead blockchain innovation, integrating new technologies such as Layer 2 scaling solutions, cross-chain interoperability, and zero-knowledge proofs.
• Lead strategic decision-making on cloud infrastructure, decentralisation strategies, and core exchange technology.

Managing & Scaling a World-Class Team

• Lead and scale a multidisciplinary technology team of up to 200 people across:
• Software Engineering (backend, frontend, DevOps, blockchain, and security)
• Data Science & AI (machine learning models for risk management, predictive analytics, and fraud detection)
• Quantitative Research & Trading (developing advanced execution algorithms and liquidity optimisation strategies)
• Product & UX Design (ensuring seamless user experience for both retail and institutional traders)
• Build a culture of high performance, innovation, and collaboration, attracting and retaining top-tier crypto-native talent.
• Develop a structured approach to hiring, training, and leadership development as the company scales from 200 to 500+ employees.

Software Engineering & Development

• Oversee the development and continuous optimisation of the exchange’s trading engine, liquidity management systems, and API architecture.
• Ensure best-in-class low-latency matching engine performance to support institutional and retail traders.
• Optimise microservices architecture, distributed computing, and real-time data processing for a seamless trading experience.
• Drive the integration of AI-driven decision-making, including risk management and automated trading strategies.

Security, Compliance & Infrastructure

• Maintain uncompromising security standards to protect user funds and data, ensuring full compliance with SEC, CFTC, and FinCEN regulations.
• Drive cryptographic security enhancements, including hardware security modules (HSMs), multi-party computation (MPC), and institutional-grade custody solutions.
• Oversee robust AI-powered threat detection, fraud monitoring, and AML compliance systems.
• Ensure rigorous pen testing, bug bounty programs, and advanced threat modelling to stay ahead of security risks.

Quantitative Research & Trading Technology

• Build and refine high-frequency trading infrastructure, optimising execution algorithms for maximum efficiency and liquidity.
• Work closely with quantitative researchers to implement cutting-edge strategies in market making, arbitrage, and risk hedging.
• Oversee the development of real-time risk monitoring systems, ensuring protection against market manipulation and extreme volatility events.

Scaling & Growth

• Lead technical due diligence for strategic acquisitions and partnerships.
• Optimise technical infrastructure costs while ensuring top-tier performance.
• Drive hyper growth strategies, ensuring seamless onboarding of millions of new users while maintaining low-latency, high-performance trading capabilities.

Experience & Background:

• Proven CTO or VP of Engineering experience at a leading crypto exchange, DeFi protocol, or high-frequency trading firm.
• Deep expertise in blockchain technology, low-latency trading systems, security architecture, and cloud-native infrastructure.
• Experience scaling engineering teams from 100+ to 500+ people, ideally in high-growth fintech or crypto environments.
• Strong knowledge of DeFi, Layer 1 & Layer 2 protocols, smart contract development, and decentralised trading architectures.
• Familiarity with U.S. regulatory frameworks (SEC, CFTC, FinCEN, NYDFS BitLicense, etc.) and how they impact crypto exchanges.

Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: Deep expertise in Rust, C++, Golang, or Solidity for blockchain-related development.
• Trading Infrastructure: Hands-on experience with high-frequency trading (HFT) architectures, ultra-low latency systems, and algorithmic trading platforms.
• Blockchain & DeFi: Strong knowledge of Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, ZK-rollups, and other Layer 1/2 solutions.
• Cloud & Infrastructure: Experience with AWS, Google Cloud, Kubernetes, and containerised environments.
• Security & Cryptography: Expertise in multi-party computation (MPC), hardware security modules (HSMs), and cryptographic protocols.
• AI & Data Science: Familiarity with machine learning applications for fraud detection, market surveillance, and real-time risk analytics.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base Salary: $400,000+
• Equity: Significant ownership stake in a leading global crypto exchange
• Bonuses: Performance-based incentives tied to company growth and technology milestones
• Benefits: World-class benefits package, including healthcare, remote flexibility, and executive perks

If you’re a visionary technology leader ready to shape the future of crypto trading at one of the world’s top exchanges, please get in touch - [email protected].

Thanks,

Craig