At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK operations, manage FCA processes, and drive growth strategies in fintech.
- Company: Join Kraken, a leading cryptocurrency exchange with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fintech evolution and make a significant impact.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in operations, ideally in fintech or cryptocurrency, with strong regulatory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 118800 - 145200 £ per year.
Chief Operating Officer, UK at kraken. com.
About the role Kraken is on the lookout for a dynamic operational leader to steer our UK operations as we evolve into a fully regulated financial institution.
This position is pivotal in overseeing our Electronic Money Institution (EMI) operations, managing the complexities of FCA authorization processes, and spearheading growth initiatives tailored for the UK market.
You will collaborate closely with the UK CEO, ensuring that our governance frameworks, operational controls, and product launches align with the stringent standards set by the evolving UK regulatory environment.
- Key facts
- Location: United Kingdom (Remote)
- Engagement: Full-Time
- Team: Business Expansion
What you'll do
- Direct the daily operations for UK entities, including Payward Services Limited, focusing on risk management, incident response, audit preparedness, and reporting to both the Board and management teams.
- Spearhead the operational activities related to FCA authorization, including the development and submission of CASP and Mi FID applications, ensuring all necessary governance and documentation are in place.
- Act as the primary operational liaison for the FCA, addressing information requests and supervisory inquiries effectively.
- Implement and drive growth strategies within the UK market, with a particular emphasis on enhancing fiat payment systems, institutional payment solutions, and establishing commercial partnerships.
- Supervise product operations and ensure readiness for launches aimed at both consumer and institutional trading, guaranteeing compliance with financial promotion regulations and internal control standards.
- Foster a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement across the UK team, promoting best practices and innovative solutions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on strategic initiatives and operational goals.
- Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes to proactively adapt operational strategies and maintain compliance.
Requirements
- A minimum of 8-12 years of professional experience, ideally with a background in strategy consulting (MBB, Big 4, or boutique firms) followed by hands-on operational execution.
- Demonstrated experience in a rapidly growing UK fintech, banking, or cryptocurrency organization, holding roles such as Chief of Staff, operations lead, or project manager for special initiatives.
- In-depth knowledge of the UK regulatory landscape, particularly FCA requirements encompassing SMCR, Consumer Duty, safeguarding measures, operational resilience, and outsourcing regulations.
- Proven track record of managing intricate, cross-functional projects without direct authority over team members.
- A pragmatic approach to governance that emphasizes organizational protection while minimizing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with regulators, executive boards, engineering teams, and commercial partners.
- Comfort in a broad, individual contributor role that emphasizes delivering tangible results rather than managing personnel.
- Nice to have
- Extensive knowledge of payment systems, with experience in EMIs, banks, or payment service providers (PSPs).
- Professional experience within the cryptocurrency or digital assets sector.
- Familiarity with SMCR environments and the potential for future growth into formal regulatory responsibilities.
- Experience in leading or supporting comprehensive license applications or regulatory change initiatives.
- A background as a former founder, General Manager, or early-stage operations hire in a startup environment.
Skills & tools
- Comprehensive understanding of FCA regulatory frameworks, including Mi FID, SMCR, and Consumer Duty.
- Expertise in operational risk management practices.
- Familiarity with payment infrastructure and fiat payment systems.
- Skills in governance and control design.
- Proficiency in managing cross-functional projects effectively.
- Practical notes
At Kraken, we assess candidates based on their qualifications and may require job-related skills or work-style evaluations during the hiring process.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Chief Operating Officer, UK employer: kraken.com
At Kraken Pro, we pride ourselves on being an innovative leader in the crypto trading space, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within the company. Located in the UK, we provide a unique chance to be at the forefront of the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer, UK
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like kraken.com. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to kraken.com.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on kraken.com's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at kraken.com
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with kraken.com.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at kraken.com will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former kraken.com employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
