At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Exchange function, driving strategy, operations, and compliance for our trading platform.
- Company: Join Luno, a trusted crypto investment app empowering users globally since 2013.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture with fun social events and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of crypto trading while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 8-10+ years in senior roles within crypto exchanges or financial institutions required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Luno is the crypto investment app you can rely on, enabling you to buy, store and explore crypto securely. We’re committed to putting the power of cryptocurrency in everyone's hands sensibly and responsibly. Since 2013, we’ve helped millions of people around the world invest safely in crypto. We do this by cutting through the hype and supporting customers at every step of the way. All products and cryptocurrencies on our platform must first meet stringent legal, risk and technical security standards. Transparency is key for us. Luno stores all crypto on a 1:1 basis and we have rigorous processes in place so you can be confident your investment is secure. We’re available in more than 40 countries around the world and we work closely with respective regulators in all of these markets to be fully compliant, as we believe this is the best way to help everyone, everywhere, invest safely.
The role in a nutshell: We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and results-driven individual to lead our Exchange function. This pivotal leadership role will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and overall growth of our trading platform. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of market structure, technology, liquidity provision, and exchange operations in the digital assets space.
Your mission will be:
- Strategy and Vision: Define and execute the long‑term strategy for the exchange, including product roadmap, market positioning, and growth initiatives, aligning with the company's overall vision. Identify new market opportunities, product expansions (e.g., new derivatives, staking products, token listings), and partnerships to drive volume and revenue growth. Lead the analysis of relevant market trends, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge. Partner with other businesses within the group to develop new opportunities and drive synergies across the group.
- Exchange Operations and Performance: Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the exchange, ensuring high performance, stability, security, and low latency of the trading infrastructure. Drive continuous improvement in trading features, execution quality, market‑making tools, and overall user experience for retail and institutional clients. Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) such as trading volume, market share, revenue, and liquidity depth, as well as P & L performance, implementing strategies to meet aggressive targets. Manage relationships with key market participants, including liquidity providers, custodians, and institutional traders. Lead the community management of Luno’s top traders globally to create a valuable ecosystem gathering constant feedback to drive customer improvements across the trading product suite.
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all exchange operations, listings, and market activities are fully compliant with relevant global regulations and internal policies (e.g., AML, KYC, market abuse monitoring). Act as the primary contact for regulatory bodies and internal compliance teams concerning exchange operations. Develop and enforce robust risk management frameworks, including trading risk, credit and counterparty risk, operational risk, and technological risk.
- Team Leadership and Management: Lead, mentor, and grow a high‑performing team across trading operations, product management, market surveillance, and technology functions dedicated to the exchange. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning within the Exchange team and the broader business. Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including Engineering, Product, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Treasury and Marketing.
A little about you:
- Experience: Minimum of 8-10+ years of experience in a senior leadership role within a reputable cryptocurrency exchange, electronic trading venue, or leading financial institution, with a direct focus on market operations or product management. Experience in Digital Assets is required.
- Market Knowledge: Deep expertise in market microstructure, electronic trading systems, liquidity strategies, and order book management.
- Leadership: Proven track record of building, mentoring, and managing high‑performing, geographically distributed teams.
- Regulatory Acumen: Strong understanding and experience of regulatory requirements (e.g., MiFID II, SEC, CFTC, FSCA, FCA, or equivalent crypto/financial regulations) relevant to operating a trading venue.
- Technical Proficiency: Solid understanding of trading technology, system architecture, and low‑latency environments.
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Computer Science, or a related field.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience launching new exchange products or expanding into new regulated markets.
- Familiarity with various products beyond spot trading, such as derivatives (futures, options), lending/borrowing, and staking services.
- Strong network within the institutional trading and financial technology communities.
Remote but reachable work policy gives you the freedom to choose between working from home or the office. Plus the option to buy and sell up to 5 days leave. Improve body and mind, with excellent private medical insurance. Access to Learnably and our additional learning platforms for your personal and professional development. 6 months primary caregiver leave. Paw‑ternity leave for your furry friend. Annual Inspiration Day in addition to your annual leave which increases based on your length of service! A collaborative, friendly work community, with regular social events and virtual cooking, dancing, drawing and house planting classes hosted by our Lunauts. Free lunch and snacks. 0 fees up to a certain amount with Luno from the day you start.*
*Offer only available on Luno Instant Buy, not Luno Exchange. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Head of Exchange employer: Luno
Luno is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a commitment to innovation in the cryptocurrency space, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health insurance, and unique perks like paw-ternity leave and annual Inspiration Days. Join a collaborative team that values transparency and supports your professional development while making a meaningful impact in the world of digital assets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Exchange
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the crypto space, especially those who work at Luno or similar companies. Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to make connections that could help you land that Head of Exchange role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss market trends, liquidity strategies, and regulatory compliance during interviews. We want to see that you know your stuff and can lead our Exchange function with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your vision! Think about how you would define and execute the long-term strategy for our exchange. We love candidates who can think big and align their ideas with our mission to empower everyone to invest safely in crypto.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Luno team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Exchange
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Exchange role. Highlight your experience in cryptocurrency exchanges and how it aligns with Luno's mission. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership position, don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you've built and managed high-performing teams. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive their teams towards success!
Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge:Given the importance of compliance in our industry, make sure to mention your understanding of relevant regulations. We’re looking for someone who can navigate the regulatory landscape with ease, so share any specific experiences you have!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team at Luno!
How to prepare for a job interview at Luno
✨Know Your Crypto Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of cryptocurrency markets, trading operations, and the specific technologies used in exchanges. Familiarise yourself with Luno's products and their unique selling points to show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Exchange, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built high-performing teams or driven significant improvements in operations. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with fostering innovation and collaboration.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Given the importance of regulatory compliance in this role, brush up on relevant regulations like MiFID II and AML/KYC requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated compliance challenges in previous roles and how you would ensure Luno remains compliant while driving growth.
✨Prepare for Market Trends Discussion
Stay updated on current market trends and technological advancements in the crypto space. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact Luno's strategy and operations. Showing that you can think strategically about market positioning will set you apart as a candidate.
