Introducing Kraken’s New UK Managing Director
Kraken, a global crypto exchange, has announced the appointment of Bivu Das as its new UK managing director. Das, a fintech entrepreneur and former executive at Starling Bank, will be taking over from Blair Halliday, who joined Kraken last year from rival exchange Gemini.
Experience in Fintech and Crypto
Das brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously ran a crypto payments gateway startup called Unblock and also worked on a small business finance platform named FIBR UK. Additionally, he served as the head of operations strategy and scaling at Starling Bank.
Expanding Kraken’s Presence in the UK
As the new UK managing director, Das will be responsible for overseeing Kraken’s efforts to expand its business in the country. The exchange currently has 275 staff members and a significant client base in the UK. It is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a cryptoasset exchange and custodian wallet provider. Kraken also holds authorizations related to its derivatives and benchmarking units.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
Das’s appointment comes at a challenging time for UK crypto firms due to new marketing restrictions that have affected offshore exchanges. However, Das believes that Kraken is well-positioned to navigate these stricter regulations. The company has been working closely with regulators to ensure compliance and is ready for the next chapter of growth.
Hot Take: Kraken’s Focus on the UK Market
Kraken’s appointment of Bivu Das as its new UK managing director highlights the company’s commitment to the UK market. With its substantial staff and client base in the country, Kraken aims to further expand its presence and solidify its position as a leading crypto exchange. Despite the challenges posed by new regulatory restrictions, Das is confident in Kraken’s ability to navigate this evolving landscape and continue to serve its UK customers effectively.