Digital Assets VP- Wealth Management Operations Strategy

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. The ideal candidate has deep, hands‑on experience supporting digital asset products within a regulated financial institution, coupled with strong strategic, analytical, and execution‑oriented capabilities. This VP will operate with a high degree of autonomy, influence senior stakeholders, and shape the operational roadmap for innovative offerings across the Wealth Management organization. In the Operations division, we partner with business units across the Firm to support financial transactions, devise and implement effective controls and develop client relationships. This is an Advanced Specialist level position within Client Service & Relationship Management, responsible for managing internal and external client relationships through client service activities, optimizing the client experience, and managing vendor/external business partner relationships. Morgan Stanley is an industry leader in financial services, known for mobilizing capital to help governments, corporations, institutions, and individuals around the world achieve their financial goals. At Morgan Stanley Baltimore, we support the Firm’s global Technology, Operations, Risk Management, Legal and Compliance, Internal Audit and Finance divisions. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. There’s ample opportunity to move across the businesses for those who show passion and grit in their work. What You'll Do In The Role 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. What You'll Bring To The Role 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. What You Can Expect From Morgan Stanley We raise, manage, and allocate capital for our clients—helping them reach their goals. Our values—putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back—guide the decisions we make every day. Comprehensive benefits and perks, 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, parental leave, and 20 vacation days annually), 10 paid holidays, 401(k), short‑ and long‑term disability, and other special perks. Opportunities for movement across the business for those who show passion and grit. Competitive base pay and compensation. For New York‑based candidates, expected base pay will be between $120,000 and $172,000 per year. For Maryland‑based candidates, salary range is $93,000–$140,000 per year, with eligibility for discretionary incentive compensation and participation in business‑unit incentive programs. Morgan Stanley is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workforce that is diverse in experience and background. Our recruiting efforts reflect our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion, where individuals are hired, developed, and advanced based on their skills and talents. Our workforce reflects a broad cross‑section of the global communities in which we operate, bringing a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr Morgan Stanley