VP of Innovation

Job Description:

The Role

At the Fidelity Centre for Applied Technology (FCAT) our mission is to Propel Fidelity into the Future. We are inventing and building solutions for the next generation.

This role is a senior innovation leadership position responsible for identifying, incubating, and bringing emerging technologies into real-world use inside and outside Fidelity. The role focuses on applied artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other emerging technologies, translating research and early prototypes into scalable, production-ready solutions used across FCAT’s and Fidelity’s business lines.

This position ensures FCAT and Fidelity stays ahead in financial technology innovation while managing emerging risks and turning new technologies into practical, scalable capabilities for the firm.  The key being to help act as a catalyst to implement swift solutions as directed by Head of FCAT, Head of FCAT Ecosystem, Head of FCAT Fintech, and appropriate Fidelity BU leadership.

The Expertise and Skills You Bring

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience supporting software-as-a-service businesses and experience with data protection, digital asset, and AI related laws and regulations
• Familiarity with or interest in learning about SEC, FINRA, FTC, CFTC and/or state level rules and regulation
• 15 years of experience or equivalent with a preference for a background in financial services, data analytics and AI
• Intellectual curiosity, passion for learning, and the ability to collaborate with teams focused on advanced data-science based technologies
• Ability to build relationships with decision makers and senior leaders across the organization
• Outstanding analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience leading complex technology initiatives, cloud transformations, and applied AI programs.
• Strong understanding of scalable architectures, AI/ML lifecycles, distributedystems, and emerging security approaches.
• Background in building partnerships and working within innovation ecosystems.
• Practical, forward-looking mindset with a focus on real business outcomes.

Enterprise Technology Strategy and Applied Innovation

• Set direction for how AI, blockchain and other emerging technologies are applied across Fidelity.
• Identify and assess high-impact use cases—such as trading, risk management, operations, and fraud detection—across brokerage, asset management, and enterprise platforms.
• Develop practical frameworks and reference architectures that help teams adopt new technologies responsibly and efficiently.

Incubation and Experimentation Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams to test, validate, and scale new technology initiatives.
• Drive development of reusable platforms, AI/ML pipelines, and blockchain-based solutions that can be adopted broadly.
• Guide prototype into secure, compliant, and production-ready systems.

Executive Advisory and Enterprise Influence

• Advise senior leaders on technology investments, emerging risks, and innovation opportunities.
• Contribute to enterprise technology standards, modernization efforts, and long-term risk management strategies.
• Works with external partners, industry groups, and innovation forums when appropriate.

Ecosystem Partnerships and External Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with cloud providers, fintech partners, LLM providers, blockchain innovators, and research institutions.
• Evaluate external solutions to accelerate delivery while maintaining Fidelity’s standards for risk, security, and control.
• Stay current on emerging technology trends and share insights across FCAT and the broader organization.

Architecture and Platform Guidance

• Promote scalable, secure, and resilient architectures that integrate emerging technologies into existing platforms.
• Encourage strong practices in MLOps, model governance, compliance, and secure development.
• Ensure new technologies are adopted in ways that align with regulatory, operational, and risk requirements.

Organizational Impact

• Act as a connector across business, technology, and research teams to move ideas into execution.
• Mentor junior technologists across FCAT.
• Help strengthen FCAT’s role as Fidelity’s center for applied innovation and forward-looking technology thinking.

Strategic Intent of the Role

This role establishes a focused innovation mandate within FCAT to help Fidelity evaluate, test, and operationalize emerging technologies in a disciplined way. The goal is not experimentation for its own sake, but building capabilities that strengthen Fidelity’s competitive position, improve efficiency, and ensure the firm is well prepared for future technology shifts.

The base salary range for this position is $130,000-$264,000 per year.  

Placement in the range will vary based on job responsibilities and scope, geographic location, candidate’s relevant experience, and other factors.

Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Depending on the position and eligibility requirements, the offer package may also include bonus or other variable compensation.   

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your evolving needs and help you live your best life at work and at home.  These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage and emotional well-being support, market-leading retirement, generous paid time off and parental leave, charitable giving employee match program, and educational assistance including student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and learning resources to develop your career.  Note, the application window closes when the position is filled or unposted.

Please be advised that Fidelity’s business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.

Most roles at Fidelity are Hybrid, requiring associates to work onsite every other week (all business days, M-F) in a Fidelity office. This does not apply to Remote or fully Onsite roles. Please consult with your recruiter for the specific expectations for this position.

Certifications:

Category:

Information Technology