Principal, Business Development

Summary

Join Kraken as a Business Development Manager and play a key role in expanding the company's footprint in the crypto ecosystem. You will identify, negotiate, and secure high-impact partnerships with various players in the crypto space to accelerate the adoption and growth of xStocks. This role requires a strong understanding of on-chain infrastructure, tokenized assets, and the DeFi ecosystem. You will collaborate with internal teams and represent xStocks at industry events. The position is fully remote, with occasional travel expected. Kraken is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, or sales within crypto, DeFi, digital assets, or capital markets
• Strong understanding of on-chain infrastructure, tokenized assets, and the DeFi ecosystem—bonus points for existing networks and contacts in the space
• Experience working with brokerages, trading desks, or capital markets infrastructure—must understand market structure and implications for tokenized assets
• Proven success in negotiating and managing high-impact, cross-border partnerships
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in high-growth environments
• Exposure to regulatory frameworks and compliance for tokenized securities or digital assets
• Comfortable collaborating across time zones with occasional international travel; U.S.-based candidates preferred, though candidates with APAC or European market experience are also encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue strategic partnership opportunities within the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem
• Serve as the go-to lead for tokenized equities, representing xStocks with multiple exchanges, DeFi players, and institutional partners
• Build and execute partnership strategies aligned with xStocks’ international growth roadmap, especially across APAC and other emerging markets
• Act as a thought partner to our product, legal, marketing, and compliance teams, ensuring partner integrations are smooth, compliant, and value-driving
• Educate and support internal and external stakeholders—especially those from TradFi backgrounds—on the distinctions and advantages of tokenized equities compared to traditional financial instruments
• Maintain a pulse on evolving DeFi ecosystems, token standards, and on-chain protocols to inform partnership decisions
• Represent xStocks at key industry events and conferences (occasional travel expected, ~1 week/month)
• Collaborate cross-functionally with team leads, including geo-expansion, international partnerships, and regional leads

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of on-chain infrastructure, tokenized assets, and the DeFi ecosystem—bonus points for existing networks and contacts in the space
• Exposure to regulatory frameworks and compliance for tokenized securities or digital assets
• Comfortable collaborating across time zones with occasional international travel; U.S.-based candidates preferred, though candidates with APAC or European market experience are also encouraged to apply

Benefits

#LI-Remote