The Opportunity

FD Capital is delighted to be working with a well-funded, early-stage cryptoasset business preparing for authorisation under the FCA's new cryptoasset regime. Our client is seeking a Fractional Finance Director to take ownership of the safeguarding of backing assets – one of the most consequential and closely scrutinised areas of the new rules.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a safeguarding framework from the ground up at exactly the moment the UK's regulatory regime for cryptoassets comes into force. The role sits at the intersection of finance, regulation and operations: designing and overseeing the arrangements that protect backing assets, ensuring reconciliations and records stand up to audit, and giving the board and the regulator confidence that client protections are robust.

The firm is pre-revenue and investor-backed, with revenue expected within the next 6–9 months. Senior capability is already in place; what is missing is dedicated domain expertise and capacity in this specific area. The engagement begins at one to two day per week with with flexiibillity as the authorisation process intensifies.

Key Responsibilities

Own the safeguarding of backing assets, including the design and oversight of segregation, reconciliation and record-keeping arrangements under the FCA's new cryptoasset rules

Prepare safeguarding documentation and evidence to support the firm's FCA application

Establish reporting that gives the board timely, accurate visibility of backing assets and safeguarding compliance

Work alongside the firm's compliance function to ensure clean boundaries between finance and compliance responsibilities

Review, strengthen and where appropriate supplement existing part-time safeguarding resource

Build audit readiness, including preparation for safeguarding audits and regulatory scrutiny

Delegate effectively and develop the internal team as the firm scales towards revenue

Candidate Profile

Essential:

Qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA)

Hands-on safeguarding experience gained in an FCA-regulated environment – e-money institutions, payments firms or similar

Strong working knowledge of FCA authorisation processes and regulatory engagement

Proven ability to delegate, manage and develop teams

Comfortable operating fractionally in an early-stage, investor-funded business

Desirable:

Exposure to cryptoassets, digital assets or blockchain-based businesses

Familiarity with the FCA's new cryptoasset regime and the treatment of backing assets

Experience of safeguarding audits, skilled person reviews or similar regulatory assurance work

An established fractional or portfolio track record

Why This Role

The FCA's cryptoasset gateway opens on 30 September 2026, and firms seeking authorisation must demonstrate credible safeguarding arrangements as part of their application. Very few finance professionals will be able to say they built one of the first safeguarding frameworks under the new regime – this role offers exactly that, with the flexibility of a fractional engagement and scope to grow with the business.