Position Overview
We are looking for a Licensing Counsel to drive and manage licensing initiatives across multiple jurisdictions globally. This role sits at the heart of our market access strategy, responsible for navigating regulatory licensing regimes, preparing and managing licence applications, and ensuring the exchange maintains and expands its authorisations worldwide. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with financial services or crypto licensing and thrives in a fast-moving, multi-jurisdictional environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the end-to-end licensing process for new market entries globally, including application preparation, submission, and regulatory engagement
- Conduct jurisdictional assessments to evaluate licensing requirements, timelines and strategic feasibility for target markets and to support the expansion requirements of the company
- Prepare, draft, and coordinate licensing applications, supporting documentation, business plans, and regulatory questionnaires
- Liaise directly with regulators, external counsel, and government authorities across jurisdictions to advance licensing matters
- Monitor global regulatory developments that may create new licensing obligations or opportunities for the exchange
- Maintain and manage a global licensing tracker covering application status, renewal deadlines, conditions, and ongoing obligations
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Legal, Compliance, Finance, Operations, Product) to gather information and align on licensing requirements
- Support post-licensing compliance, including condition monitoring, variation applications, and periodic reporting to regulators (where applicable)
- Prepare internal briefings and status reports on licensing progress for senior leadership
- Build and maintain relationships with external legal advisors across jurisdictions to support licensing activities
Requirements
- Law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent); admission to practice in at least one jurisdiction is preferred
- 2-5 years of experience in regulatory law, licensing, or compliance — with meaningful exposure to financial services, fintech, or cryptocurrency (preference)
- Demonstrated experience with licence applications or regulatory approvals (e.g., VASP, MPI, EMI, broker-dealer, or equivalent authorisations)
- Understanding of global licensing frameworks for virtual asset service providers and/or financial institutions
- Strong legal research, drafting, and analytical skills with the ability to distil complex regulatory requirements into actionable advice
- Excellent project management skills — ability to manage multiple licensing workstreams across jurisdictions simultaneously
- Strong written and verbal communication in English; additional languages relevant to target jurisdictions are a plus
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, decentralised, and globally distributed team
- Collaborative mindset and a good team player with the ability to work closely with internal teams as well as independently
- Fast learner, able to hit the ground running. takes ownership of projects, has pride in the work
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience with cryptocurrency or digital asset licensing preferred but not an absolute must (VASP registrations, MAS MPI, VARA licences, EU MiCA authorisations, ADGM licences etc.)
- Familiarity with key licensing regimes in APAC, MENA, Europe, or Latin America
- Experience working with regulators across multiple jurisdictions concurrently
- Understanding of AML/CFT requirements as they relate to licensing conditions and ongoing obligations
- Prior in-house experience at a crypto exchange, fintech, or global financial services firm would be seen favourably but candidates with law firm experience will not be discounted
What We Offer
- Own the global licensing function at one of the world's largest crypto exchanges
- Direct exposure to regulators and licensing regimes across dozens of jurisdictions
- High-impact role with clear visibility to senior leadership and the board
- Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development support
- Dynamic, global team at the cutting edge of crypto market access strategy
