Head of AML & Deputy Head of Compliance Full Time (Remote)

As one of the largest and most trusted digital asset platforms globally, we are empowering people to experience the life-changing potential of crypto. Trusted by over 8 million consumer and pro traders, institutions, and authorities worldwide – our unique combination of products, services, and global expertise is helping tip the scales towards mass crypto adoption. But we’re only just getting started. We want to be pioneers in crypto and add value to the everyday lives of billions. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Join us to bring crypto to the world.

To ensure Kraken is the right fit for you, please ensure you read Kraken Culture Explained to find out more about us!

About the role

Kraken is one of the world’s largest, most successful bitcoin exchanges and we’re growing faster than ever. Our range of successful products are playing an important role in the mainstream adoption of crypto assets.  We attract people who constantly push themselves to think differently and chart exciting new paths in a rapidly growing industry.

As the Head of AML & Deputy Compliance Officer, you will report to the Head of Compliance, Kraken Ireland, and have responsibility for the regulatory compliance of the firm with all applicable regulatory requirements, including overall responsibility for anti money laundering compliance. You will serve a lead role in a cross-functional team that ensures Kraken remains at all times in good regulatory standing in the region. The ideal candidate should have experience working in a fintech or exchange trading environment, with a deep understanding of requirements applicable to Kraken Ireland’s regulated activities in Ireland and the larger European Union (EU).

An understanding of regulatory frameworks applicable to regulated financial firms in Europe is strongly preferred, such as those governing activities under the E-Money Regulations and Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID).

This role is based in Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Act as a day-to-day contact for regulatory compliance matters for Kraken Ireland operations.
• Be responsible for the ongoing compliance of the firm with all applicable regulatory requirements, including but not limited to compliance with the requirements of the CJA 2010.
• Work closely with the Kraken Ireland Head of Compliance and Executive Leadership to ensure operational compliance requirements across the region are implemented.
• Provide compliance expertise to Kraken Ireland’s Executive Leadership in relation to operational risks (including technology security risk, operational resilience and business continuity), conduct risks and prudential risks in order to build an effective compliance risk monitoring programme.
• Monitor internal and external business, regulatory and technology environments to identify new or emerging compliance risks and verify remediation of issues as applicable.
• Be responsible for the submission or, in some instances, the oversight of any relevant compliance regulatory reports, STRs/SARs, and other filings to be submitted to relevant regulatory authorities.
• Develop and oversee the Compliance Monitoring Programme, and maintain compliance policies and procedures.
• Assess and oversee the implementation of new regulatory compliance requirements as they arise, assist with regulatory horizon scanning, and advise executive management accordingly.
• Coordinate and liaise with Kraken Global Compliance to ensure alignment between global, regional and local compliance policies, procedures, and operations.
• Support regional product development by advising on the compliance impact and requirements associated with localised product launches.
• Support regional marketing and brand development efforts by advising on the compliance impact and requirements associated with business and brand development, and advertising under applicable regulations.
• Build and manage a local compliance operations function as required to support operations under future regulatory registrations or licenses.

Requirements

• Potential to hold the ‘Pre-approval Control Function’ (‘PCF’) role PCF-52, subject to satisfactory completion of the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness and Probity process.
• ​​Advanced professional certifications such as “CAMS”, “CFE”, etc. are preferred.
• Compliance risk management programme development experience is preferred.
• Financial intelligence unit (FIU) operations experience is preferred.
• Demonstrable prior experience in relation to the regulation of crypto asset services in Ireland or a similar regulatory jurisdiction.
• 5+ years in a previous regulatory or compliance position at a fintech or financial firm, or regulatory institution.
• Previous experience in filing regulatory reports and providing compliance oversight.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Irish regulatory environment, developments, and relevant registration and licensing requirements for crypto and adjacent financial services.
• Familiarity with anti-money laundering and know-your-customer best practices within relevant regulations.
• Experience developing policies and procedures that ensure hyper-growth innovation is advanced compliantly.

We’re powered by people from around the world with their own unique and diverse experiences. We value all Krakenites and their talents, contributions, and perspectives, regardless of their background. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don’t fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you’re passionate or knowledgable about crypto!

As an equal opportunity employer we don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Whether that’s 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.