Compliance Senior Lead - Sanctions Operations
"What You'll Be Doing"
About This Role
Kraken's Global Sanctions Compliance function sits at the intersection of regulatory accountability and technology. We're hiring a Sr. Compliance Associate Lead, Sanctions Operations, fully remote, reporting directly to Kraken's Chief Sanctions Officer. This role sits at the heart of how Kraken reviews, escalates and resolves sanctions risk across its global footprint, working escalations generated by sanctions controls and the first line of defence, focusing on the most complex sanctions risks, and helping scale the operation as volumes grow.
What You'll Be Doing
Perform sanctions reviews in response to escalations across Kraken, spanning blockchain monitoring, name screening, transaction screening, anti-circumvention controls, and account sign-up and maintenance rules
Review name screening and transaction screening alerts escalated to the Sanctions team, applying sound judgment to resolve them accurately and on time
Review blockchain monitoring alerts for direct and indirect sanctions exposure
Analyse Kraken accounts for potential sanctions circumvention risk
Review account opening documentation escalated by Kraken's first line of defence (1LOD)
Review large data sets to support proactive and ad-hoc risk analyses
Communicate with Regional Compliance Officers and other Compliance teams, ensuring regional perspectives are reflected while maintaining sanctions programme integrity
Coordinate with teammates to streamline processes, using automation and AI-assisted tools where they improve speed and quality, with appropriate human oversight
Prepare regulatory reports in response to investigations as needed
Prepare and deliver presentations as needed
What We're Looking For
5+ years of experience in compliance, sanctions or financial crime compliance, including hands-on sanctions investigations, ideally within financial services such as banking, crypto or fintech
Working knowledge of major sanctions regimes: US OFAC, EU, UK and UN programmes
Experience writing sanctions reviews or investigation narratives
Strong analytical and writing skills, sound judgment, and a detail-oriented, problem-solving approach
Knowledge of crypto, banking or payment processes, procedures and systems
Experience working with case management systems such as Hummingbird, Zendesk or equivalent
Hands-on experience using automation and AI tools, such as Claude or ChatGPT, to improve team speed and work quality
Effective verbal and written communication, with the ability to convey complex issues and manage stakeholders across global and regional compliance partners
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across functions
Ownership of your work product, with a record of delivering results in a fast-paced environment
High degree of integrity, discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
A bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
Bonus Points
ACAMS (CAMS) or ACSS sanctions certification
Prior regulatory experience or blockchain analytics vendor experience, such as attributing sanctions risk
Experience supporting regulatory exams, audits or enforcement-related inquiries
Salary Range
USD 72,600 - 145,200 per year
About Kraken
Kraken is a leading US-based cryptocurrency exchange, committed to providing secure, innovative, and reliable trading tools for digital assets. Our mission is to accelerate the global adoption of cryptocurrency by building a more open, free, and compliant financial system. We empower individuals and institutions alike with robust platforms designed for exceptional performance and peace of mind, operating at the forefront of financial technology and regulatory adherence. Our culture at Kraken is built on principles of autonomy, transparency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We foster an environment where passionate, talented individuals can thrive, take ownership of their work, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the blockchain space. Collaboration is key, and we champion diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges, ensuring our team members feel valued, supported, and continuously challenged to grow. Joining Kraken means becoming part of a dynamic team that is redefining the future of finance from our US base. We offer unparalleled opportunities for professional development, the chance to work on high-impact projects, and a direct role in shaping an industry poised for exponential growth. If you are eager to make a significant impact, innovate alongside some of the brightest minds, and build solutions that will change the world, explore our 121 open positions and discover where you belong.
Ready to Apply?
To submit your application for this position, please visit Kraken's official website and follow their application process.