Head of Finance – Custody

Kraken Digital Asset Exchange

Head of Finance & Custody for VARA-regulated Dubai VASP entity ensuring financial and regulatory compliance. Overseeing safeguarding of client assets and regulatory reporting responsibilities.

Posted 7/24/2026full-timeRemote • 🇦🇪 United Arab EmiratesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial management, regulatory reporting, and client asset safeguarding, with a strong focus on compliance with VARA regulations and accounting standards such as IFRS and US GAAP.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA)Financial Services ExperienceRegulatory ReportingClient Asset SafeguardingGroup Reporting Role

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial Accounts PreparationBudgetingForecastingStatutory Audit ProcessClient Money ControlReconciliationAccounting Principles (IFRS, US GAAP)Regulatory Reporting PacksControl Environment DevelopmentCustody Asset Procedures

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingStakeholder CommunicationLeadership SkillsAttention to Detail

Certifications & Qualifications

ACACIMAACCA

Industry Keywords

VARAClient MoneyCustodySafeguardingControl Environment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual management and financial accounts for the VARA VASP entity
Prepare and submit VARA regulatory reporting packs
Prepare forecasts and budgets for the local entity
Lead the local entity's involvement in the statutory audit process
Develop and maintain the finance function's control environment
Monitor, control, and report on the safeguarding of client money and client virtual assets
Own the daily reconciliation of client virtual assets and client money
Maintain client money placement timelines
Enforce no-rehypothecation controls over custody assets
Develop, coordinate, and maintain the entity's client asset/custody safeguarding procedures

Requirements

What you’ll need

Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent) with significant relevant experience in financial services
Demonstrable experience in safeguarding, custody, or client asset/client money control environments
Working knowledge of VARA's rulebook architecture
Demonstrable experience in a Group reporting role focused on financial accounts and external/regulatory reporting
Knowledge and understanding of key accounting principles under IFRS and/or US GAAP
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication skills
Strong leadership skills
Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
Proactive and adaptable
Ethical and accountable
Excellent stakeholder engagement skills
Assertive, tenacious, and control-focused

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working hours
Professional development opportunities