License Operations & Strategy Manager

Building the Future of Crypto Our Krakenites are a world-class team with crypto conviction, united by our desire to discover and unlock the potential of crypto and blockchain technology. What makes us different? Kraken is a mission-focused company rooted in crypto values. As a Krakenite, you’ll join us on our mission to accelerate the global adoption of crypto, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, Kraken’s focus on our mission and crypto ethos has attracted many of the most talented crypto experts in the world. Before you apply, please read the Kraken Culture page to learn more about our internal culture, values, and mission. We also expect candidates to familiarize themselves with the Kraken app. Learn how to create a Kraken account here . As a fully remote company, we have Krakenites in 70+ countries who speak over 50 languages. Krakenites are industry pioneers who develop premium crypto products for experienced traders, institutions, and newcomers to the space. Kraken is committed to industry-leading security , crypto education , and world-class client support through our products like Kraken Pro , Desktop , Wallet , and Kraken Futures . Become a Krakenite and build the future of crypto! Proof of work The team Kraken is one of the world’s leading digital asset platforms, trusted by millions across 190+ countries. As the global crypto market transforms under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) and many more regulatory frameworks, Kraken is building the blueprint for how a global exchange scales compliantly — while unlocking new growth across products, markets, and partnerships. We are seeking a License Operations and Strategy Manager to help steer that evolution — a commercial, strategic operator who can connect regulatory compliance with business opportunity. The opportunity Strategic & Commercial Leadership Partner with the License Operations & Entity leadership team to define and execute Kraken’s license operations strategy — balancing operational excellence with commercial outcomes and product launches. Build business and operational models that support and maintain new product launches, market entries, and licensing pathways. Translate regulatory milestones into tangible business opportunities (e.g., new services, expanded client offerings, or passporting advantages). Identify and evaluate strategic partnerships and outsourcing arrangements that enhance scalability or regulatory efficiency. Operational & Regulatory Execution Execute operational model across EU MiCAR, and other Payward/Kraken Legal Entities including product launches, regulatory examinations, MI generation and commercial initiatives Drive end-to-end execution of EU MiCAR, and other entities regulatory projects and Product Launches, coordinating across Product, Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Finance. Identify, deploy, and leverage generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) to streamline workflows, automate operational processes, and enhance efficiency, decision-making, and scalability across regulatory and commercial initiatives. Analyze and research developing regulatory regimes and provide strategic recommendations with cross-functional input Support regulatory deliverables, submissions, and communications with supervisors. Support the preparation of Board and Committee materials, including regulatory updates, operational MI, outsourcing oversight reporting, and strategic initiatives for regulated entities. Coordinate governance cycles across large CBI-regulated entities, ensuring timely escalation, approvals, action tracking, and alignment with Board, Risk, Compliance, and Audit Committee requirements. Drive effective governance and stakeholder engagement by maintaining governance calendars, supporting Board reporting processes, and ensuring regulatory obligations and decision-making forums operate efficiently across multiple jurisdictions. Prepare executive and Board-level reporting that translates regulatory, operational, and commercial developments into clear risk, performance, and strategic insights for senior leadership and non-executive directors Outsourcing & Third Party Management Oversee, advise and support all parties in the performance of all ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews of Outsourcing arrangements to include Third Party engagements Measure performance of outsourced service providers to agreed SLA, key performance indicators and track on a regular basis and maintain records of these outsourcing oversight activities. Ensure accurate and timely assessment reports, trend analysis and feedback is provided to the Compliance and Risk Committee Assist in ensuring third-party risk management and outsourcing policies and procedures adhere to regulatory standards. Responsible for keeping up to date with changing regulations in relevant jurisdictions and application of knowledge to the role. Coordinate with Compliance, Operational Risk and internal /external audit to meet group and regulatory requirements. Act as point of contact for outsourcing related queries and provide guidance and training in line with third party management and outsourcing policy, procedures and regulations to the internal clients and stakeholders; Assess proposed new engagements and maintain records of these outsourcing oversight activities, and participate in client due diligence, RFPs or external third-party provider assessments as required Cross-Functional Influence Act as the central point of integration between regulatory strategy and operational execution. Lead cross-functional working groups, manage dependencies, and drive visibility across leadership on progress, risks, and opportunities. Support commercial and product teams in understanding MiCAR constraints and opportunities when designing new offerings. Deliver strategic updates and performance insights to executives and the board, linking regulatory progress to market positioning. Skills you should HODL 5–8 years in top-tier consulting, strategy, or operations leadership — ideally in financial services, fintech, or crypto. Proven experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives with a commercial or regulatory focus. Understanding of EU regulatory frameworks (EMRs, MiCAR, MiFID II, PSD2, AMLD5/6, DORA, etc.). Strong grasp of business and financial models — able to quantify how regulatory design impacts revenue, cost, and scalability. Deep experience in outsourcing oversight, vendor performance, and regulatory submissions. Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and executive communication skills. Commercially astute — connects regulatory compliance with business growth and customer trust. Operates with a consulting mindset: structured, analytical, and action-oriented. Thrives in ambiguity and moves quickly from concept to execution. Collaborative, low-ego, and able to influence senior stakeholders. Passionate about crypto, innovation, and responsible scaling in regulated environments. 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. Kraken is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate all Krakenites for their diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions and unique perspectives. We hire strictly based on merit, meaning we seek out the candidates with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills considered the most suitable 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 knowledgable about crypto! We may ask candidates to complete job-related skills or work-style assessments as part of our hiring process. These assessments are designed to evaluate competencies relevant to the role and are applied consistently across candidates for similar positions. Assessment results are considered alongside other relevant information, such as 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 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. Stay in the know Follow us on Twitter Learn on the Kraken Blog Connect on LinkedIn Candidate Privacy Notice