We’re looking for a Head of Risk to lead the Risk team and own the risk frameworks that govern one of the most important protocols in DeFi. You’ll coordinate with external risk service providers, set and monitor risk parameters, and serve as the final sign-off on collateral onboarding and liquidation performance. This is a leadership role that requires deep protocol knowledge, strong accountability, and the judgment to make high-stakes decisions.
You’ll lead a team of risk analysts, researchers, data scientists, and credit specialists while working across the organization and with external partners to ensure Aave’s risk posture remains best-in-class as the protocol scales into new markets and asset classes. If you understand market structure, portfolio risk management, and the Aave Protocol at a deep level, and you’re ready to take ownership of risk at scale, this role is designed for you.
How you can make an impact:
Lead and build the Risk team, setting direction, priorities, and standards for the function
Own and evolve Aave’s risk management frameworks and policies
Coordinate with external risk service provider teams to ensure alignment on risk parameters
Set, monitor, and adjust protocol risk parameters across deployments and markets
Approve and sign off on collateral onboarding decisions and risk assessments
Review liquidation performance and recommend improvements to liquidation mechanisms
Lead risk governance processes and present risk analyses to the DAO
Monitor market structure changes and their implications for protocol risk
Take full accountability for risk outcomes and drive a culture of ownership within the team
Let’s connect if you have:
5+ years of experience in risk management, with a strong preference for DeFi or crypto-native experience
Proven experience leading and managing a risk team
Deep understanding of the Aave Protocol: its markets, governance, parameters, and risk dynamics
Strong grasp of market structure, portfolio risk management, and stress testing methodologies
Experience working with or managing external risk service providers
Strong sense of accountability and ownership. You take responsibility for outcomes and hold your team to the same standard
Excellent judgment under uncertainty. You’re comfortable making consequential decisions with imperfect information
Strong communication skills for governance proposals, risk reports, and stakeholder alignment
Nice to have:
Previous experience working directly with DeFi governance processes
Background in traditional finance risk management (portfolio, credit, or market risk)
Familiarity with risk tooling and simulation platforms used in DeFi
Requirements
5+ years of experience in risk management, with a strong preference for DeFi or crypto-native experience
Proven experience leading and managing a risk team
Deep understanding of the Aave Protocol: its markets, governance, parameters, and risk dynamics
Strong grasp of market structure, portfolio risk management, and stress testing methodologies
Experience working with or managing external risk service providers
Strong sense of accountability and ownership. You take responsibility for outcomes and hold your team to the same standard
Excellent judgment under uncertainty. You’re comfortable making consequential decisions with imperfect information
Strong communication skills for governance proposals, risk reports, and stakeholder alignment
Previous experience working directly with DeFi governance processes
Background in traditional finance risk management (portfolio, credit, or market risk)
Familiarity with risk tooling and simulation platforms used in DeFi