Head of Finance & Custody (VARA‑regulated)

About the role

Kraken’s VARA‑regulated Dubai VASP entity is seeking a senior finance professional to lead both financial reporting and client‑asset custody functions. The role bridges Group Finance, the Group Client Asset Office, and the local business, ensuring robust controls in a fast‑evolving regulatory environment.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver monthly, quarterly and annual management and financial accounts for the VARA entity.
• Compile and submit VARA regulatory reporting packs and act as the primary contact for finance‑related regulator inquiries.
• Develop forecasts and budgets in collaboration with Group FP&A, monitoring paid‑up capital and Net Liquid Assets against thresholds.
• Lead the statutory audit process and liaise with Group Financial Control.
• Design and maintain the finance function’s control environment and risk register for the new Dubai entity.
• Oversee safeguarding of client money and virtual assets, ensuring compliance with VARA rulebook requirements.
• Support Group FP&A with ad‑hoc corporate finance analyses.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in finance, regulatory reporting and client‑asset custody, preferably within crypto or financial services.
• Strong control‑orientation with a track record of building robust finance processes.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic, regulatory‑intensive environment.
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate between Group functions and local regulators.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape finance and custody operations for a newly licensed entity.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Dynamic, innovative culture within a leading global crypto platform.