Senior Counsel - Commercial (Institutional)

📋 Description

• • Kraken is at the forefront of the cryptocurrency revolution, driven by a mission to accelerate global adoption and empower individuals with financial freedom and inclusion. We are a world-class team united by a deep conviction in crypto and blockchain technology, fostering a culture rooted in crypto values and pioneering innovation. As a fully remote company with a global presence, we attract top talent from around the world, united by a shared passion for building the future of digital assets.
• • The Commercial Legal team is a lean, dynamic, and strategic group that serves as the backbone of Kraken's global business operations. We act as trusted legal partners across all departments, managing a diverse range of commercial contracts and supporting critical institutional, partnership, procurement, licensing, and vendor relationships. Our team is instrumental in enabling Kraken's rapid growth and expansion while diligently safeguarding the company against legal and regulatory risks.
• • As the Senior Counsel - Commercial (Institutional), you will be the lead commercial lawyer for Kraken's institutional products and client relationships. This pivotal role reports directly to the Head of Commercial Legal and requires close collaboration with Product, Treasury, Finance, Engineering, and Regulatory teams. You will be instrumental in structuring, launching, and negotiating novel institutional offerings that define the cutting edge of the crypto market.
• • Your primary responsibilities will include leading the negotiation, drafting, and ongoing management of critical agreements such as prime brokerage (trading and custody) agreements, ISDA Master Agreements, Credit Support Annexes, and other related documentation with sophisticated institutional counterparties, including banks and large asset managers. This is a unique opportunity to shape the legal frameworks for some of Kraken's most important institutional services.
• • You will play a key role in scaling Kraken's commercial lending business. This involves standardizing documentation, driving efficient and risk-appropriate negotiations of loan agreements, term sheets, and security documentation. Your expertise will ensure that our lending operations are robust, scalable, and legally sound, supporting Kraken's strategic financial objectives.
• • Partnering closely with our Treasury, Finance, and OTC teams, you will provide legal support for day-to-day derivatives trading, cash management, FX operations, and liquidity facilities. This includes ensuring the establishment and maintenance of robust, scalable documentation and collateral frameworks that mitigate risk and comply with all relevant regulations.
• • You will be responsible for structuring, drafting, and negotiating complex commercial agreements with key institutional clients and high-net-worth partners. This requires a deep understanding of financial products and a keen ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable business strategies.
• • A significant aspect of this role involves leading the negotiation of financing and other balance-sheet-impacting documentation. This will be done in close collaboration with our Finance and Treasury departments, ensuring that all financial arrangements are legally sound and strategically aligned with Kraken's business goals.
• • As a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, you will translate complex legal terms into clear business implications and provide actionable guidance. Your ability to communicate effectively with non-legal teams is crucial for fostering strong cross-functional partnerships and driving successful outcomes.
• • You will leverage Kraken's highly regulated and well-resourced environment as a strategic commercial advantage. This means understanding the regulatory landscape and using it to inform our legal strategies and business development efforts.
• • A core part of your role will be to build and continuously improve our commercial legal processes. This involves balancing the need for speed and flexibility with robust risk management. You will explore and implement innovative solutions, including leveraging AI and automation tools, to increase deal velocity, enhance consistency, and optimize legal operations.
• • This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge financial technology and traditional finance, shaping the legal landscape for institutional crypto services. You will be empowered to make a significant impact on Kraken's growth and success in the institutional market.