Building the Future of Open Finance

Payward - the parent company behind Kraken, NinjaTrader, Breakout, xStocks, Payward Services and CF Benchmarks - has spent the last 15 years building one of the most modern and globally accessible financial infrastructure platforms in the industry, built to advance an open, global financial system.

Before you apply, we encourage you to explore our culture page to understand what drives us and how we work.

The team

Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the world's longest-standing crypto platforms, trusted by over 10 million individuals and institutions across the globe. It offers spot trading, margin, futures, staking, and OTC services, with products built for both individual investors and institutional clients.

As the General Manager, MiCAR Broker/Custodian Operations, you will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational management, and regulatory compliance of Kraken’s European Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP). This role requires a deep understanding of the crypto-asset market, regulatory frameworks, and effective leadership to ensure Kraken’s success and adherence to the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR).

The ideal candidate should have experience working in a Crypto Asset Business, with a deep understanding of global business operating models and crypto trading. A strong understanding of the MiCAR and wider European regulatory frameworks is also required.

This role is based in Ireland and is subject to approval by the Central Bank of Ireland as PCF-8 (CEO).

The opportunity

• Strategic Leadership:

  • Develop and implement the Kraken CASP Broker/Custodian’s strategic vision and business plan;

  • Identify new business opportunities, ensuring that Kraken remains competitive in the crypto-asset market;

  • Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement;

• Operational Management:

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the CASP Broker/Custodian, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness;

  • Manage the Kraken CASP Broker/Custodian senior leadership team, ensuring alignment with Kraken’s company goals and regulatory requirements;

  • Develop and monitor performance metrics to assess operational success;

• Regulatory Compliance:

  • Ensure that the Kraken CASP Broker/Custodian complies with all aspects of MiCA

  • Liaise with regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Ireland and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)

  • Implement robust compliance and risk management frameworks;

• Financial Oversight:

  • Oversee financial performance, budgeting, and forecasting;

  • Ensure financial operations comply with relevant laws and regulations;

  • Report to the board of directors on financial status and any strategic initiatives;

• Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Maintain strong relationships and transparent communication with key internal and external stakeholders;

  • Represent the Kraken CASP Broker/Custodian at industry events, conferences, and in public forums;

• Risk Management:

  • Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with Kraken CASP Broker/Custodian’s operations;

  • Develop strategies to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity;

  • Ensure compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regulations;

• Corporate Governance:

  • Ensure effective corporate governance practices are in place;

  • Work closely with the board of directors to develop and implement governance policies;

  • Ensure the board of directors is regularly informed about Kraken CASP Broker/Custodian’s performance and strategic direction;

• Human Resources Management:

  • Attract, retain, and develop top talent to build a high-performing team;

  • Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture;

  • Oversee executive compensation and development programs.

• Executive Director Responsibilities (PCF-1) The Executive Director position is the business representative on the board of directors. This individual is part of the executive management team. The role of the Executive Director is to:

  • Propose strategies to the board;

  • Execute the agreed strategies to the highest possible standards;

  • Have knowledge and understanding of the material activities of the business;

  • Have knowledge and understanding of the risks of the business;

  • Have relevant skills, experience, and knowledge such as accounting, auditing, and risk management.

What you bring

• Eligible to work in Ireland, or be willing to relocate to Ireland;

• Extensive experience (15+ years) in the financial services industry, with a focus on crypto-assets or digital currencies, with proven track record in a senior leadership role;

• In-depth knowledge of the MiCA regulatory framework, crypto-asset markets, and financial regulations;

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, financial acumen, and excellent communication skills.

• Leadership & Management Skills:

  • Commitment to high ethical standards and transparency;

  • Ability to foresee market trends and drive innovation;

  • Comprehensive understanding of regulatory environments and compliance requirements;

  • Skilled in managing crises and navigating complex regulatory landscapes;

• Qualifications & Certifications:

  • Advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law, or a related field;

  • Relevant professional certifications in finance, compliance, or management are desirable.

Unless a specific application deadline is stated in the job posting, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Please note, applicants are permitted to redact or remove information on their resume that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, assessing candidates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Our commitment

Payward is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate the diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions, and unique perspectives that everyone brings to the table. We hire based on merit, seeking out people with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don't fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you're passionate or knowledgeable about crypto.

We may ask candidates to complete job-related skills or work-style assessments as part of our hiring process. These assessments evaluate competencies relevant to the role and are applied consistently across candidates for similar positions. Results are considered alongside experience and interviews, and are not the sole basis for any employment decision.

As an equal opportunity employer, we don't tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, whether based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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