Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology OfficerFinancial Services | Boca Raton | Fully OnsiteAbout the CompanyOur client is a small, growing investment firm based in South Florida. Technology sits at the center of how the firm serves its investors, and its client-facing digital platform is a core part of the business. The firm runs lean, and technology carries outsized importance relative to its size.The OpportunityThis is a newly created executive role. The Chief Technology Officer owns technology strategy, data architecture, the client-facing platform, cybersecurity, and vendor delivery, with decision rights over what the firm builds, what it buys, what it costs, and what standards apply.The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer, with direct access to the Chief Executive Officer on material technology risk and major investment decisions.The role requires depth in product, data, and systems integration. The leader will shape the client platform as its product owner, set the data architecture and standards behind it, and connect the firm's core systems into one operating platform. Because reporting, automation, and the client experience all depend on a well-governed data and integration layer, strengthening that layer comes first in sequence.The firm is small and so is the technology function, which begins with two direct reports and relies on specialist partners for development and managed services. The leader sets architecture and priorities with the leadership team, then works directly in the environment to confirm the result holds up.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and own a multi-horizon technology strategy, roadmap, and budget, including build-versus-buy decisions and prioritization across business functions.Establish the data strategy, ownership model, and architecture, and set standards for data quality, lineage, and stewardship.Integrate core business systems, including client engagement, onboarding, finance, and reporting, into one coherent operating platform.Ensure onboarding, documentation, and recordkeeping workflows support AML, KYC, and other regulatory requirements.Drive workflow automation and define governance for approved AI use cases involving confidential client information.Hold executive accountability for the client-facing digital platform and establish product discipline, including hiring and coaching a Product Manager.Own the cybersecurity program, including policies, access controls, vendor security, incident response, and business continuity, in line with regulatory obligations.Own enterprise architecture across the cloud environment, data layer, and integrations, with clear standards for availability, observability, and recovery.Lead external development and service partners, negotiate contracts, and determine where vendor delivery or internal capability offers the better economics.Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team, and build a small, high-leverage technology function.QualificationsTechnology leadership experience within an investment firm is required, such as asset or wealth management, alternative investments, private markets, or a broker-dealer.Working knowledge of the compliance requirements that shape investment firm technology, including AML and KYC, investor onboarding and documentation, recordkeeping, and data privacy.Product expertise, including ownership of a client-facing digital platform from discovery and requirements through delivery and adoption.Data expertise, including architecture-level ownership of a data strategy covering data modeling, quality, governance, and reporting. This is the most heavily weighted requirement for the role.Systems integration expertise, including connecting core business systems, third-party platforms, and vendor tools through sound integration patterns and workflow automation.Ability to work directly in cloud environments, databases, and data tooling, close enough to the work to verify it.Ownership of cybersecurity, vendor risk, and business continuity in a regulated setting.Success as the first or senior-most technology leader in a lean, entrepreneurial environment.Credibility with executive leadership, with strength in budgeting, contract negotiation, and change management.Candidates may currently hold a CTO, CIO, Head of Technology, or SVP title. Breadth and judgment matter more than title.This search is being conducted on a retained basis by StevenDouglas. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with an executive operating at this level. All inquiries and referrals should be directed to the StevenDouglas search team.