Lead Architect – Digital Assets

About the role Are you ready to shape the future of capital markets? We are looking for a hands-on Head of Engineering - Digital Assets to own our technical architecture, set the engineering bar, and lead the build as a player-coach. You will join the CEDS Digital Asset team. The position will be based in Paris, and start as soon as possible. You will report to the CTO Digital Assets. About the mission You will architect the platform behind Euronext’s first tokenised offerings. The role spans two live programmes already in design: A tokenised issuance, trading and settlement platform (equities, ETFs and bonds), with a 24/7 central limit order book, fractional trading, CCP-cleared trades and end-of-day atomic DvP settlement on chain. A tokenised collateral-management platform for sovereign bonds, enabling real-time repo, CCP-margin eligibility and DeFi distribution of govies through gated lending venues. Both are built on the same conviction: the token is the financial instrument (no wrapper), one ISIN means one ledger, and the CSD drives tokenisation. You will turn these principles into a concrete, secure and auditable architecture. What you’ll do Own end-to-end architecture for digital asset solutions, combining distributed ledger technology (DLT) with traditional market infrastructure (trading, clearing, settlement, custody and CSD). Designing cross-chain topology — permissioned chains for the institutional/CCP side (Hyperledger Besu, Canton Network candidates) and public chains for DeFi distribution (Ethereum / L2). Defining the on-chain compliance model: regulated security-token standards (ERC-3643 / T-REX), KYC-whitelisted wallets, on-chain transfer restrictions, AML screening on every transfer (Chainalysis / Elliptic) and transaction reporting (MiFIR). Architecting custody and key management around MPC solutions (Fireblocks, Taurus candidates), including a hybrid model that supports bring-your-own-custody for institutions that require it. Set standards for code, review, testing, and secure-by-design delivery. Lead threat modelling and security architecture until a dedicated security lead is in place. Plan and lead the evolution of the team as products move from build to run. Make build/buy/partner decisions on chain, custody, and audit with Product. Collaborating with cross-functional teams — product, legal, regulatory, clearing, CSD and client working groups — to ensure alignment with business objectives and the evolving regulatory framework (DLT Pilot Regime, MiFID II, MiCA). Stay hands-on in incidents and on the highest-risk components. What you bring Deep distributed-systems and DLT architecture experience; fluency with EVM and permissioned chains (e.g. Canton, Besu). Hands-on understanding of token standards for regulated securities (ERC-3643 / T-REX or equivalent), on-chain compliance, and the security pitfalls of smart contracts and cross-chain bridges. Proven secure-architecture and threat-modelling skills for high-value financial systems operating 24x7 with zero downtime. Working knowledge of capital-markets settlement (delivery-versus-payment, CSD, CCP/clearing) sufficient to design integrations. Player-coach leadership; decisive and calm under pressure. Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, comfortable bridging engineering, business, legal and regulatory audiences. Minimum seven years of experience in solution architecture, including at least three years in DLT or blockchain projects. Degree in computer science, engineering or related field; certifications in cloud or blockchain technologies are a plus. AI engineering skills (required) Define and lead an AI-augmented software-delivery process: coding assistants, smart-contract scaffolding, AI-generated test suites — and a clear view of where AI must not be relied on (security and risk sign-off). Set guardrails for AI-assisted code: review gates, secret and prompt hygiene, and licence/provenance checks on generated code. Evaluate and select AI tooling; judge where productivity gains are real. Able to specify AI-in-product capabilities (e.g. anomaly detection, operational triage) and their risk controls. Join Euronext – Shape capital markets for future generations Join a company where market infrastructure is built on innovation — and where every innovation starts with a bold mind asking, “What’s next?”. At Euronext, we believe change is a starting point, not an obstacle. We look for people who see growth opportunities, think long term, and want to help shape capital markets for future generations. Working with us means: • Being part of a European, international and diverse team – Collaborate across borders with talented colleagues connected by a shared ambition and purpose. • Learning as you grow – Develop your skills through continuous learning, real responsibilities and flexible career paths that evolve with you. • Having an impact – Contribute to projects that matter, in an agile and dynamic environment where your ideas help drive progress. • Driving sustainability – Play an active role in building transparent, responsible and sustainable capital markets for the long term. Together, we don’t just support markets — we help shape their future. Apply by submitting a CV in English The CEDS Digital Asset team is dedicated to advancing secure and resilient securities issuance and settlement. We deliver cutting-edge solutions for both domestic and international markets, supporting clients throughout the entire value chain. Join us and play a key role in building the next generation of digital asset infrastructure. Euronext is the leading European capital market covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. We operate seven national stock exchanges, handling 25% of European lit equity trading. Our products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and our network of Euronext Securities CSDs. In addition, Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. The company has a diverse domestic and international client base. Find out more about us at: Euronext Values Unity • We respect and value the people we work with • We are unified through a common purpose • We embrace diversity and strive for inclusion Integrity • We value transparency, communicate honestly and share information openly • We act with integrity in everything we do • We don’t hide our mistakes, and we learn from them Agility • We act with a sense of urgency and decisiveness • We are adaptable, responsive and embrace change • We take smart risks Energy • We are positively driven to make a difference and challenge the status quo • We focus on and encourage personal leadership • We motivate each other with our ambition Accountability • We deliver maximum value to our customers and stakeholders • We take ownership and are accountable for the outcome • We reward and celebrate performance We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, gender, age, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other legally protected factor. We value the unique talents of all our people, who come from diverse backgrounds with different personal experiences and points of view and we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. Additional Information This job description is only describing the main activities within a certain role and is not exhaustive. It does not prevent to add more tasks, projects.