Digital Assets VP- Wealth Management Operations Strategy

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategically minded Vice President to join our Wealth Management Operations Strategy team. This leader will drive complex, cross-functional initiatives with a particular focus on digital assets, including tokenization, blockchain enabled operating models, digital custody, and emerging regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Communication
  • Develop strategy and execution plans for digital asset related initiatives across Wealth Management, influencing senior leaders and cross-functional partners.
  • Prepare high impact materials for Executive Directors, Managing Directors, and governance forums to drive decision making.
  • Establish and lead executive level communication channels to ensure alignment on program objectives, regulatory considerations, and operational readiness.
• Program & Project Execution
  • Oversee day to day delivery of complex workstreams involving digital assets, tokenization, blockchain integrations, or digital custody frameworks.
  • Ensure project milestones, regulatory requirements, and risk considerations are met with precision.
  • Partner with Technology, Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Front Office teams to operationalize new capabilities.
• Digital Assets Expertise
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on digital assets, providing guidance on operational best practices, custody models, settlement flows, and emerging regulatory expectations.
  • Apply hands-on experience from prior roles within a regulated financial institution to shape operating models, controls, and scalability.
  • Stay current with industry trends, including tokenization, blockchain infrastructure, crypto market structure, and digital asset regulatory developments (SEC, FINRA, CFTC, OCC, NYDFS).
• Stakeholder & Relationship Management
  • Act as a key point of contact for internal and external partners on digital asset strategy, implementation, and operational design.
  • Influence senior stakeholders by presenting clear analysis, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations.
• Process Improvement & Operational Design
  • Lead assessments of current workflows and design scalable end-to-end operating models for digital asset offerings.
  • Recommend enhancements to improve controls, efficiency, and client experience across Wealth Management Operations.
• Risk & Change Management
  • Identify potential risks (operational, regulatory, market) relating to digital asset initiatives and define appropriate mitigation plans.
  • Lead change management strategies to ensure cross-functional adoption during new product launches or major platform enhancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, or related quantitative field
• 7-10 years of relevant experience, including direct experience supporting digital asset products or infrastructure within a regulated financial institution (e.g., crypto operations, tokenization programs, digital custody capabilities, blockchain initiatives).
• Strong command of digital asset concepts, blockchain technology, market structure, custody mechanics, and relevant regulatory considerations.
• Proven track record leading complex, cross-functional programs with senior level exposure.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and execution skills; ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of translating complex topics for senior audiences.
• Strong leadership presence, collaborative mindset, and uncompromising attention to detail.

Pay

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $120,000 and $172,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs.

Schedule

Morgan Stanley offers a full spectrum of benefits, including Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Dependent Day Care Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off (including Sick Leave consistent with state and local law, Parental Leave and 20 Vacation Days annually), 10 Paid Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability, in addition to other special perks reserved for our employees.