Global Technical Lead Crypto - Santander Group

Your Mission 

At Santander Group, we are redefining digital banking for millions worldwide. As we expand into digital assets, we are seeking a Global Technical Lead – Crypto & Digital Assets to architect and execute our blockchain strategy at a global scale. This role is central to building secure, scalable, and compliant crypto trading, custody, staking, and payment solutions. 

This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in blockchain technology, leveraging Layer 2 scaling, tokenization, decentralized finance (DeFi), and stablecoins to enhance Santander’s digital asset offerings. You will lead Agile development teams, embed security-first principles, and ensure regulatory alignment while forging key industry partnerships. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Define & Implement Crypto Technology Strategy – Architect scalable and secure blockchain infrastructure, embedding crypto into Santander’s global ecosystem. 

• Lead Agile Development & DevSecOps – Drive high-performance Agile teams, ensuring rapid, secure deployment of crypto solutions. 

• Ensure Security & Compliance – Develop fraud prevention, wallet and custody security, and regulatory automation to meet global standards (MiCA, AML, FATF). 

• Innovate in Blockchain & DeFi – Explore L2s, smart contract design, tokenization, advanced cryptographic methods, and network architectures to enhance Santander’s digital asset offerings. 

• Forge Strategic Partnerships – Collaborate with blockchain infra providers, fintechs, and industry thought leadership centers to strengthen Santander’s position in the crypto market. 

• Align Global & Local Execution – Work with C-level executives, product, legal compliance, and business teams to align technical strategy with business objectives. 

 Requirements 

• Deep expertise in blockchain and crypto infrastructure, including network design and deployment, L2s, custody tech, staking, smart contracts, and ZK cryptography. 

• Proven leadership in agile development, with experience managing distributed teams in banking, fintech, or crypto environments. 

• Strong knowledge of cryptographic security, wallet management, and regulatory compliance in digital assets. 

• Track record of delivering institutional-grade crypto platforms within a regulated financial institution or major fintech. 

• Ability to operate at C-level, shaping crypto technology strategy while navigating global regulatory landscapes. 

• Contribution to opensource blockchain protocols and projects. 

• Nice to have: a public GitHub profile that verifies all of the above without the need for an interview :)

• Professional level in English (additional languages are a plus). 

What We Offer 

• A dynamic, high-impact role shaping the future of crypto in digital banking. 

• Competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth. 

• International collaboration and exposure to cutting-edge financial innovation. 

Would you like to grow with us? Join our team! 

Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered as equal without paying attention to gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, political orientation, union membership nor disability status.  

We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We value your passion to discover, invent, simplify, and build.