Kraken Digital Asset Exchange is a global cryptocurrency and financial technology company founded in 2011. Its platform supports the buying and selling of more than 200 digital assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, with tools designed for both newer users and experienced traders. Services include advanced trading interfaces, margin trading, over-the-counter trading, and custody solutions for individual and institutional clients. Kraken emphasizes security, liquidity, transparency through proof of reserves, and round-the-clock customer support while operating across international markets. Work at Kraken is connected to the development and operation of infrastructure for digital-asset trading and financial services, within a company guided by mission-driven values and an awareness of the risks and regulatory differences associated with cryptocurrency.
Senior Product Counsel, APAC
Advise on Kraken’s APAC crypto product launches, licensing, and regulatory matters. Work with Payward and Kraken teams across Singapore, Hong Kong, and other regional markets.
Description
- Advise on legal support for APAC launches and product enablement across the Payward suite.
- Support xStocks, OTC options, institutional custody and execution, and cross-regional products launching across APAC.
- Scope proposed APAC outside counsel engagements, estimate costs, and approve external matters.
- Turn complex regulatory frameworks into practical guidance for the business.
- Use AI-assisted tools for licensing analysis, regulatory submissions, and matter tracking.
- Manage APAC regulatory work under the APAC regulatory lead.
- Handle licence variations, client and broker agreements, licensing structure questions, and routine regulator correspondence.
- Lead jurisdiction-specific licensing in Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
- Instruct and oversee local counsel across the region, while supporting other APAC markets.
- Support Payward Group licensing work in Singapore and Hong Kong, preparing application materials and coordinating with outside counsel.
- Work with Compliance, Product, and senior leaders to support licensed entities and regulator engagement.
Requirements
- Admitted as a lawyer in Singapore, Hong Kong, England and Wales, or an equivalent common law jurisdiction.
- At least 10 years of post-qualification experience in financial services regulatory law.
- Experience at a regulated financial services institution, a law firm serving such clients, and/or a relevant regulator.
- Able to independently manage regulatory relationships and routine workstreams, including notifications, information requests, and supervisory correspondence.
- Strong knowledge of the financial regulatory environment in a major Asian financial centre.
- Able to instruct, supervise, and manage local counsel costs across multiple jurisdictions, including jurisdictions where not admitted.
- Working knowledge of AML/CTF obligations and regulatory expectations.
- Excellent analytical, drafting, and organisational skills.
- Clear, concise plain-English writing.
- Able to turn complex legal and regulatory issues into actionable guidance for non-lawyer stakeholders.
- Pragmatic approach to legal and regulatory risk, with commercial accountability.
- Able to work independently in a fast-paced, remote environment across multiple time zones.
- Experience advising on virtual asset regulation in APAC jurisdictions is a plus.
- Familiarity with derivatives, equities, and tokenised financial instruments is a plus.
- Experience with change-of-control notifications or regulatory aspects of corporate transactions is a plus.
- Experience with payments, e-money, or card regulation is a plus.
- Working proficiency in a second APAC language is a plus.
- Interest in crypto and digital assets is a plus.
Benefits
- Remote role based in Hong Kong or Singapore.
- Work with a global, diverse team.
- Opportunity to use Kraken products after joining.
- Job-related skills or work-style assessments are applied consistently across candidates.
- Equal opportunity employer.
- Qualified applicants with criminal histories are considered in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.