Portfolio Manager & Director (ADGM / VARA)

About the role

In this role, you will manage investment strategies across various funds, including DeFi and real-world asset strategies. You will oversee capital movements, fund operations, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks in the UAE, particularly ADGM and VARA.

You will work within a diverse and collaborative team, contributing to the growth of Animoca Brands and its innovative projects. Success in this position will be measured by effective risk management, operational efficiency, and the ability to navigate the evolving landscape of digital assets.

The salary range for this role is competitive, with a minimum of $135,000 and a maximum of $225,000.

Skills that matter here

• Portfolio Management: You will execute and oversee the investment strategies approved by the Investment Committee.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of ADGM and VARA regulations is essential for compliance and governance.
• Blockchain: Familiarity with DeFi protocols and Ethereum smart contracts is necessary for effective fund operations.
• Financial Analysis: You will monitor fund-level risks and report on performance metrics to the Investment Committee.
• Leadership: This role requires leading a team and collaborating with various stakeholders.
• Operations: You will manage capital movements and ensure smooth fund operations.

Who this role suits

• Experienced in portfolio management with a strong understanding of crypto and DeFi.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, build-stage environment with evolving processes.
• Proactive in risk identification and able to communicate effectively with regulators and teams.
• Open to working in a hybrid setting in the UAE, ideally residing in Abu Dhabi.

From the employer

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management

Execute the investment strategy approved by the Investment Committee across quantitative fund-of-funds, DeFi yield and real world asset strategies.

Allocate to underlying quantitative managers and manage onboarding, capital deployment, rebalancing and withdrawals.

Deploy capital into whitelisted DeFi protocols and manage position sizing and risk controls.

• Fund Operations

Oversee all capital movements: fiat and stablecoin on- and off-ramps, transfers to DeFi wallets and exchange accounts, and redemption payouts.

Operate the institutional virtual asset custodian, including transaction execution, policy engine whitelists and wallet architecture.

Approve outgoing wire and stablecoin transfer instructions for redemptions, in coordination with the fund administrator.

Work with the fund administrator on subscriptions and redemptions, position data for NAV, and daily on-chain / off-chain reconciliation.

• Regulatory & Governance

Serve as director for the ADGM entity and act as the ADGM portfolio manager, accountable for the regulated activity of managing assets.

Work alongside the Compliance Officer, MLRO, Risk Officer and Finance Officer on the control framework, and support the internal and external audit functions.

Flexibility to serve as director for the VARA entity and act as the VARA Responsible Individual, accountable for the day-to-day conduct of the licensed activity and available to the regulator.

• Risk & Reporting

Monitor fund-level risk limits: protocol diversification, exposure caps by venue, leverage constraints and drawdown triggers.

Maintain operational risk awareness across DeFi protocols (smart contract, oracle and governance risk) and exchange counterparties.

Report to the Investment Committee on performance, risk metrics and operational matters.

Support the annual audit with investment records, trade logs and rebalancing documentation.

Requirements

• Regulatory Eligibility

UAE resident, or willing to relocate to the UAE (preferably in Abu Dhabi) on a full-time basis.

Able to satisfy the Fit and Proper standards of both regimes, including having the relevant academic or professional qualifications, adequate virtual asset and management experience, honesty, reputation and integrity, a sound understanding of the applicable regulatory framework.

Eligible for VARA and FSRA approval.

Prior experience as a regulated approved person or licensed individual is a strong advantage.

• Experience

8 - 10 years in portfolio management, trading or fund operations, including managerial or supervisory experience relevant to the Portfolio Manager function.

Depth in one or more of: discretionary portfolio management or proprietary trading at a bank, asset manager or hedge fund, digital asset fund management (DeFi yield, quantitative trading or crypto fund-of-funds), institutional fund operations with direct involvement in trade execution, reconciliation or custodian interaction.

• Technical Knowledge

Understanding of crypto quant strategies: delta-neutral, basis, carry and perpetual futures.

Understanding of DeFi protocols and mechanics: lending, staking, liquidity provisioning and yield strategies.

Familiarity with engaging in Ethereum smart contracts, ERC-20 standards, and the ability to read and verify transactions on block explorers.

Experience with fund operations including institutional digital asset custody, NAV calculation, and fund administration workflows.

• Qualifications & Attributes

Experience in ADGM and/or VARA-licensed entities.

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, computer science, engineering or a related field. CFA, CAIA or FRM is an advantage.

Proactive risk identification and escalation.

Clear, concise communication with boards, regulators and service providers.

Comfort operating in a build-stage environment where processes are still being established.

The Perks of Joining Animoca Brands:

• A Vibrant and Diverse Workplace: Immerse yourself in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment with colleagues from over 15 nationalities (and growing!). We celebrate diversity and foster a global perspective.
• Incentives in the Web3 Space: Be a part of the future and align your success with the growth of our innovative projects.
• Direct Impact and Flat Structure: Your voice matters. We operate with a flat organizational structure, ensuring your ideas are heard and implemented quickly.
• Comfortable and Creative Atmosphere: Embrace a relaxed and productive work environment with casual attire.
• Opportunities Across the Ecosystem: Expand your horizons by collaborating with various subsidiary brands within the Animoca Brands network, gaining exposure to a wide range of projects and technologies.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: We care about your well-being. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, life, and transportation allowances.