This is the target annual salary range for this role. This range is not inclusive of other additional compensation elements, such as our Bonus program, Equity program, Wellness allowance, and other benefits [US Only] (including medical, dental, vision and 401(k)).

The compensation range provided is influenced by various factors and represents the initial target range. Our salary offerings are dynamic and we strive to ensure that our base salary and total compensation package aligns and recognizes the top talent we aim to attract and retain. The compensation package of the successful candidate is based on various factors such as their skillset, experience, and job scope.

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!

The Team

Kraken is a market leader in one of the most innovative and fastest-growing industries in the world. As we expand across products, markets, and geographies, strategic partnerships are a critical lever for accelerating our mission and extending our reach.

The Business Development team is a core pillar of Kraken’s inorganic growth engine. The team is responsible for identifying, structuring, and executing strategic partnerships that expand product distribution, unlock incremental monetization opportunities, and accelerate time-to-market for new products and services. Business Development works closely with Product, Engineering, Legal, Finance, Compliance, Marketing, and Executive Leadership to deliver outcomes that materially advance Kraken’s strategic vision.

The Role

As VP, Business Development, you will define and lead Kraken’s global business development and partnership strategy. Reporting to our CFO, you will own the end-to-end partnership lifecycle, from strategy and market mapping through negotiation, execution, and integration, while building and scaling a world-class Business Development organization.

You bring a proven track record of translating company priorities into high-impact partnership strategies, executing complex and high-stakes deals, and driving measurable business outcomes. You are equally comfortable developing rigorous financial analyses, influencing executive-level decision-making, and negotiating critical commercial terms with senior partners. You operate with strong executive presence and serve as a trusted cross-functional leader across the organization.

The Opportunity

• Define and own Kraken’s global business development and partnership strategy in close partnership with the executive team

• Identify, evaluate, and pursue strategic partnership opportunities that expand product reach, drive incremental monetization, and accelerate new product launches

• Oversee the full partnership lifecycle, including strategy development, market mapping, target assessment, due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation, execution, and integration planning

• Lead, manage, and grow a high-performing Business Development team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented culture

• Work closely with leaders across Product Management, Engineering, Legal, Finance, Compliance, Marketing, and Operations to execute complex cross-functional initiatives

• Build rigorous business cases and financial models to evaluate partnership opportunities and support commercial decision-making

• Articulate key value drivers, risks, and strategic considerations in concise deal memos and executive presentations; drive alignment and effective decision-making across Kraken’s leadership team

• Cultivate and maintain a deep external network across crypto, fintech, and traditional financial services to stay ahead of industry trends and partnership opportunities

• Monitor market dynamics, competitive activity, and regulatory developments to inform partnership strategy and identify opportunities for differentiation
  

Skills You Should HODL

• 15+ years of experience in Business Development, Partnerships, or Corporate Strategy, ideally within crypto or a hyper-growth FinTech environment

• Earlier career experience in product management, management consulting, venture capital, investment banking, or corporate strategy strongly preferred

• Deep expertise across the full business development lifecycle, including strategy development, target evaluation, negotiation, and integration planning

• Demonstrated track record of building, managing, and scaling high-performing teams

• Strong commercial acumen and product instincts, with the ability to anticipate industry shifts and identify high-leverage partnership opportunities

• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, including the ability to build sound financial models and evaluate complex partnership economics

• Ruthless prioritization skills, ensuring focus on the opportunities with the greatest strategic and financial impact

• Exceptionally strong verbal and written communication skills, with the executive presence to influence senior leaders and external partners

• Long track record of effective cross-functional collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Deep passion for financial markets and the crypto ecosystem; strong network across crypto and TradFi a plus

• Knowledge of global financial regulations and their application to crypto; international business experience a plus

Unless a specific application deadline is stated in the job posting, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

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. Whether that’s based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws.

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Compensation Range: $200K - $430K