Head of Business, Crypto Exchanges

About the role

Alpaca is seeking a strategic leader to spearhead the growth and operational success of its global cryptocurrency exchange business. This role involves defining and executing expansion plans for both direct consumer offerings and B2B partnerships, while ensuring regulatory compliance and product competitiveness. You will drive key initiatives across licensing, product development, and commercial strategy.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Drive the expansion of our spot cryptocurrency trading business, encompassing direct-to-consumer services and Crypto-as-a-Service solutions.
• Develop and implement strategies for obtaining necessary licenses and maintaining impeccable compliance records, overseeing audits.
• Identify and prioritize new product features, including the addition of new digital assets and blockchain integrations, to enhance our crypto offerings.
• Improve the user experience for our direct trading platform and develop tailored solutions for B2B clients.
• Enhance internal operational tools to support 24/7 global banking, stablecoin transactions, internal market making, and crypto asset reconciliation.
• Manage critical vendor relationships with providers such as Fireblocks, Notabene, and Chainalysis, and evaluate strategic vendor alternatives.
• Design and execute growth initiatives, engage in business development activities, and lead presales solutioning calls for compliant integrations.
• Develop go-to-market materials and training programs to support business scaling.
• Collaborate closely with operations, compliance, finance, sales, and marketing teams, providing direction and support.
• Establish clear reporting mechanisms, including dashboards and status updates, to communicate business performance.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in crypto exchanges, brokerages, or regulated trading environments, with at least 3 years in a business line ownership capacity.
• Proven experience navigating VASP, MSB, or similar licensing frameworks, including managing regulatory examinations.
• Solid understanding of exchange mechanics, including order books, matching engines, market making, margin systems, and liquidation processes.
• Practical knowledge of crypto operations, encompassing custody architecture, wallet management policies, reconciliation, treasury management, and on-chain settlement.
• Demonstrated ability to sell and architect B2B infrastructure solutions to institutional clients, including technical integration discussions without engineering support.
• A track record of managing vendor contracts effectively at a commercial scale.
• Availability to work across CET and ET time zones daily.

Nice to have

• Previous experience working within a licensed broker-dealer, FCM, or clearing entity.
• Familiarity with tokenized securities, stablecoin infrastructure, or on-chain settlement technologies.
• Experience establishing a licensed entity in a new international jurisdiction.
• Proficiency with tools like Fireblocks, Notabene, Chainalysis, or similar platforms.
• Background in banking operations or multi-currency payment systems.

Skills & tools

• Crypto Exchange Operations
• B2B Sales & Solutioning
• Licensing & Compliance
• Vendor Management
• Product Strategy
• Financial Services Infrastructure

Practical notes

• Competitive salary and stock options.
• Health benefits.
• A one-time USD $500 allowance for home office setup.
• A monthly stipend of USD $150 via a Brex Card.