Deputy Sanctions Officer (Director)

Building the Future of Crypto Our Krakenites are a world-class team with crypto conviction, united by our desire to discover and unlock the potential of crypto and blockchain technology. What makes us different? Kraken is a mission-focused company rooted in crypto values. As a Krakenite, you’ll join us on our mission to accelerate the global adoption of crypto, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, Kraken’s focus on our mission and crypto ethos has attracted many of the most talented crypto experts in the world. Before you apply, please read the Kraken Culture page to learn more about our internal culture, values, and mission. We also expect candidates to familiarize themselves with the Kraken app. Learn how to create a Kraken account here. As a fully remote company, we have Krakenites in 70+ countries who speak over 50 languages. Krakenites are industry pioneers who develop premium crypto products for experienced traders, institutions, and newcomers to the space. Kraken is committed to industry-leading security, crypto education, and world-class client support through our products like Kraken Pro, Desktop, Wallet, and Kraken Futures. Become a Krakenite and build the future of crypto! Proof of work The team This fully remote role reports to Kraken’s Chief Sanctions Officer. As Deputy Sanctions Officer (Director), you will: (1) act as the CSO's delegate to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of Krakens Global Sanctions Compliance Program (GSCP) and (2) serve as Kraken’s Deputy Sanctions Officer, ensuring Kraken’s compliance with global sanctions regulations, and safeguarding the firm against sanctions risk. The ideal candidate will have curated over a decade of expertise across the following: Sanctions, Compliance, Audit, Technology, Data, Product Compliance, Regulatory Scanning, Program Building, Model Management, Risk Management, Risk Assessments, and Governance across traditional, centralized, and decentralized finance with the ability to scale in a high-growth environment and thrive in a continually evolving environment. This is an individual contributor role, but requires extensive leadership experience as communications, documentation, partnership, and strategy are key to success, as well as time management. The opportunity • Program Ownership – Maintain and enhance Kraken’s enterprise‑wide Global Sanctions Compliance Program in line with applicable laws, regulations, regulatory guidance and Kraken policies • Risk Assessments – Participate in annual and ad‑hoc enterprise, product and sanctions risk assessments; identify emerging risks and control gaps, develop remediation plans and track to closure • Control Governance – Uplift and maintain documentation on Kraken’s technical controls, develop Governance testing routines, and coordinate cross functionally to automate those routines • Reporting & Metrics – Develop and deliver periodic reports for leadership, highlighting key risk indicators (KRIs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and program health metrics • Audit & Regulatory Engagement – Oversee the coordination of materials and responses for internal audits, external audits, testing and exams relative to Kraken’s Controls; represent Kraken as a subject‑matter expert • Cross‑Functional Leadership – Partner with Product, Engineering, Legal, Client Engagement and Finance to embed risk‑based thinking and efficient controls into new and existing products • Continuous Improvement – Drive workflow automation, data‑driven decision‑making and process efficiencies across all Sanctions verticals • Respond to third party and internal requests relating to controls • Preparation of VSDs and Subpoena responses as needed • Support review of new products from Sanctions perspective • Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to: assisting Chief Sanctions Officer as needed, coordinating/leading projects, completing ad-hoc assignments, assisting investigators as needed, preparing presentations and documentation as needed • Working closely with the Chief Sanctions Officer Skills you should HODL • 10+ years of experience within a Sanctions role • 2+ years of experience in a supervisory/managerial/audit role • Bachelor’s degree • CGSS Certification or equivalent (or equivalent experience) • Deep experience with OFAC, international sanction regimes, sanctions reporting requirements, watchlist screening requirements, and technologies & systems • Executive level communication and organizational skills • Experience managing regulatory exams and audits • Experience preparing regulatory strategy and responses • Proven track record and experience working with technical sanctions topics, solutions, vendors • Deep familiarity with sanctions regulatory requirements in the United Kingdom, Europe and US, and other jurisdictions • Demonstrated ability to author detailed business requirements and effectively communicate with engineering or technology teams • Prior success in project management and driving cross functional teams to execute and deliver on strategically important initiatives • Quantitative analysis and decision making #LI-Remote This job is accepting ongoing applications and there is no application deadline. Please note, applicants are permitted to redact or remove information on their resume that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, assessing candidates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Kraken is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate all Krakenites for their diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions and unique perspectives. We hire strictly based on merit, meaning we seek out the candidates with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills considered the most suitable for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don't fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you're passionate or knowledgable about crypto! As an equal opportunity employer, we don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. 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