Apple and Google expand digital-asset teams amid payment infrastructure push

Apple is searching for a Financial Product Strategy Lead within its Apple Card and Apple Cash division. The position, based in the U.S., requires deep expertise in tokenized deposits and blockchain technology to help guide long-term commercial strategy. With a base-pay range spanning $149,700 to $280,000, the role focuses on evaluating new payment structures and partnerships rather than developing crypto-native consumer products. Current operations remain rooted in conventional banking, evidenced by the upcoming transition of Apple Card issuance to Chase.

Google has taken a more technical path, recruiting an Industry Principal Architect for Web3 based in Hong Kong. This role demands four years of production-grade blockchain experience to support Google Cloud’s institutional clients in the Asia-Pacific region. The architect will guide financial institutions on custody architectures and compliance with local regulations, such as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Stablecoins Ordinance. Unlike Apple’s strategic planning focus, Google is building upon existing infrastructure like its Universal Ledger service and the Agent Payments Protocol, which already enables AI agents to facilitate payments using stablecoins on networks like Solana.