Manager, Policy & Government Relations

About the role

You will become a central architect for the strategic evolution of financial services and web3 regulations across the Asia-Pacific region, operating from a foundational base in Singapore. This role requires you to own the development of sophisticated policy frameworks that directly influence the regulatory trajectory of the markets in which we operate. You will serve as the primary liaison between Kraken's executive leadership and critical regional regulatory authorities, ensuring our voice is both heard and respected. A core part of your ownership involves analyzing complex legislative and regulatory shifts to anticipate impacts and formulate proactive, data-driven responses. You will lead the cultivation of essential relationships with policymakers, regulators, and industry associations to build a resilient network of advocacy. Your work will directly shape the company's strategic direction in this high-growth area, turning regulatory complexity into competitive advantage. You will be expected to operate with an entrepreneurial mindset, driving initiatives that require rapid learning and innovative problem-solving in ambiguous and evolving environments.

Key facts

What you'll do

Establish and maintain a deep, proactive understanding of the financial services and digital asset policy landscape across the Asia-Pacific region, identifying emerging risks and opportunities for Kraken.

Develop, implement, and refine comprehensive policy strategies and regulatory engagement plans designed to shape favorable outcomes for the company's products and operations.

Represent Kraken in high-stakes interactions with key regulatory bodies, including the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), positioning the company as a constructive and informed industry partner.

Analyze and interpret public consultations, regulatory announcements, and legislative drafts to formulate timely, accurate, and strategically aligned written and verbal responses.

Build and sustain a robust network of professional contacts across Singapore and the wider region, leveraging these relationships to gather intelligence and influence policy discussions.

Lead the coordination of responses to regulatory inquiries, ensuring submissions are thorough, compliant, and strategically crafted to protect and advance company interests.

Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including legal, compliance, product, and business development teams, to ensure policy positions are practical and aligned with commercial objectives.

Monitor and report on the implications of regional regulatory developments in Central Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, providing actionable insights to senior leadership.

Contribute to the creation of thought leadership and external communications, articulating complex regulatory topics to diverse audiences with clarity and conviction.

Act as a key point of contact for external partners, including trade associations and standard-setting bodies, to foster collaborative efforts on industry-wide policy issues.

Manage multiple policy initiatives and projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and deadlines to ensure effective delivery against strategic goals.

Provide clear, concise, and persuasive briefings to executive leadership, translating complex regulatory landscapes into actionable business intelligence.

Support the development and implementation of compliance frameworks and best practices related to digital assets, payment systems, and stablecoins within the region.

Evaluate the potential impact of new and existing regulations on Kraken's business model, proposing mitigation strategies and advocating for pragmatic regulatory approaches.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 to 9 years of relevant experience in financial services policy and regulation within the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating a consistent track record of navigating complex regulatory environments.

A professional background that includes roles in regulatory agencies, government bodies such as MAS, in-house legal teams, political consulting firms, or pertinent trade associations, providing diverse perspectives on policy development.

A well-established network of professional contacts in Singapore, with the potential for connections throughout the wider Asia-Pacific region, enabling effective stakeholder engagement.

A strong understanding of financial services and digital policy, particularly regarding emerging frameworks for digital assets, payment systems, and stablecoins, underpinned by rigorous analytical capability.

An entrepreneurial, proactive approach to work, with a demonstrated capacity for rapid learning and effective problem-solving in complex, high-pressure situations.

Comfort in navigating diverse regulatory and political landscapes, with a demonstrated willingness to travel within the region as necessary to fulfill core job responsibilities.

A genuine passion for the industry, along with a keen interest in understanding the company's products and their broader global implications for the financial ecosystem.

The ability to operate with integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Nice to have

Knowledge of payments, anti-money laundering (AML), cybersecurity, or other relevant financial services and digital policy frameworks in the region, enhancing the effectiveness of regulatory engagement.

Experience in drafting responses to public consultations and regulatory inquiries, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking.

Familiarity with regulatory environments in Central Asia, Australia, or the Middle East, providing a broader contextual understanding of regional dynamics.

An interest in international politics and the ability to convey complex subjects to diverse audiences effectively, strengthening communication and outreach efforts.

Previous involvement with international standard-setting organizations such as IOSCO, OECD, and FATF, and an understanding of their significance in shaping national and regional policies.

Proficiency in languages spoken in the region, which can enhance communication with local stakeholders and deepen relationship-building efforts.

Practical notes

Applications are accepted continuously unless a specific closing date is indicated. Candidates are encouraged to omit personal details such as age, date of birth, or educational timelines from their resumes. The company is committed to considering qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Certain positions may necessitate job-related skills assessments or evaluations of work styles.