Compliance Officer & MLRO, Singapore

📋 Description

• • Kraken is at the forefront of the cryptocurrency revolution, dedicated to accelerating the global adoption of digital assets and empowering individuals with financial freedom and inclusion. As a mission-driven company with deep crypto conviction, we attract and cultivate some of the most talented minds in the industry. Our culture is rooted in core crypto values, and we are building the future of finance with a world-class team of "Krakenites" who are passionate about innovation and decentralization.
• • This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Compliance Officer & MLRO based in Singapore to spearhead the development and leadership of Kraken's local compliance program. You will play a pivotal role in supporting our license application with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), ensuring pre- and post-licensing readiness. This is a hands-on, leadership position demanding end-to-end responsibility for the strategic design, meticulous implementation, and effective operation of a robust compliance and financial crime framework. This framework must be meticulously aligned with MAS regulatory expectations and the overarching standards of the Kraken Group.
• • Your core responsibilities will encompass comprehensive compliance oversight and proactive regulatory engagement. You will serve as the designated Compliance Officer for the Singapore entity, responsible for establishing, maintaining, and rigorously overseeing the local compliance and Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) framework. This includes ensuring strict adherence to MAS regulatory requirements. You will manage all regulatory filings, notifications, and reporting obligations to MAS, acting as the primary point of contact for all regulatory examinations and audits. A key aspect of this role involves establishing and maintaining a strong local compliance governance framework, encompassing the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and standards, conducting thorough risk assessments, designing and executing compliance monitoring programs, managing identified issues, and defining clear escalation protocols.
• • Furthermore, you will provide critical regulatory and compliance advisory support. This includes the formal review and approval of Singapore go-to-market initiatives, new product developments, and the design of control frameworks, ensuring all activities are compliant and strategically sound. Your expertise will be crucial in navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring Kraken's operations in Singapore meet the highest standards.
• • As the appointed MLRO for the Singapore business, you will lead the design and implementation of the AML/CFT framework. This involves overseeing key areas such as Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and the reporting of Suspicious Transactions (STRs). You will meticulously review and approve suspicious activity reports before their submission to the relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with MAS AML/CFT Notices and related Guidelines. A proactive approach to AML/CFT is essential, including conducting regular risk assessments and overseeing the remediation of any identified issues. You will also be responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive AML/CFT training and awareness programs across relevant functions within the organization.
• • The role extends to providing expert product and business advisory, offering compliance guidance and formal review/sign-off for critical business activities. This includes go-to-market strategies in Singapore, new product launches and modifications, marketing communications and promotions, and cross-border service provision. You will assess the regulatory implications of new initiatives, ensuring alignment with the licensing perimeter and advising on consumer protection, conduct, and disclosure obligations. Your insights will be vital in shaping Kraken's product roadmap and business strategy in Singapore.
• • You will be instrumental in implementing and overseeing the compliance monitoring plan, which includes conducting thematic reviews and control testing to ensure the effectiveness of our compliance programs. Ensuring timely remediation of compliance findings and regulatory observations is paramount. You will also oversee incident reporting and the management of regulatory breaches, maintaining an effective issue management and escalation framework to address any compliance concerns promptly and efficiently.
• • This leadership position requires close engagement with the Board and Senior Management. You will be responsible for preparing and presenting periodic compliance and AML reports, providing independent challenge and oversight on regulatory and financial crime risks, and supporting governance committees as required. Your ability to communicate complex compliance matters clearly and concisely to senior stakeholders will be essential.
• • Fostering a strong compliance culture is a key objective. You will develop and deliver engaging compliance and AML/CFT training programs, ensuring all employees understand their regulatory obligations and reporting requirements. Your leadership will champion a culture of integrity and compliance throughout the Singapore entity.
• • Ultimately, as the Compliance Officer & MLRO, you are accountable for ensuring the Singapore entity's ongoing compliance with all MAS regulatory requirements, timely reporting of suspicious activities and regulatory breaches, and maintaining the independence and authority to escalate issues without interference. This role is critical to Kraken's successful expansion and regulatory standing in Singapore.