Licensing Counsel

Position OverviewWe 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 ResponsibilitiesLead and manage the end-to-end licensing process for new market entries globally, including application preparation, submission, and regulatory engagementConduct jurisdictional assessments to evaluate licensing requirements, timelines and strategic feasibility for target markets and to support the expansion requirements of the companyPrepare, draft, and coordinate licensing applications, supporting documentation, business plans, and regulatory questionnairesLiaise directly with regulators, external counsel, and government authorities across jurisdictions to advance licensing mattersMonitor global regulatory developments that may create new licensing obligations or opportunities for the exchangeMaintain and manage a global licensing tracker covering application status, renewal deadlines, conditions, and ongoing obligationsCoordinate with internal stakeholders (Legal, Compliance, Finance, Operations, Product) to gather information and align on licensing requirementsSupport 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 leadershipBuild and maintain relationships with external legal advisors across jurisdictions to support licensing activitiesRequirementsLaw degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent); admission to practice in at least one jurisdiction is preferred2-5 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 institutionsStrong legal research, drafting, and analytical skills with the ability to distil complex regulatory requirements into actionable adviceExcellent project management skills — ability to manage multiple licensing workstreams across jurisdictions simultaneouslyStrong written and verbal communication in English; additional languages relevant to target jurisdictions are a plusComfortable working in a fast-paced, decentralised, and globally distributed teamCollaborative mindset and a good team player with the ability to work closely with internal teams as well as independentlyFast learner, able to hit the ground running. takes ownership of projects, has pride in the workPreferred QualificationsDirect 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 AmericaExperience working with regulators across multiple jurisdictions concurrentlyUnderstanding of AML/CFT requirements as they relate to licensing conditions and ongoing obligationsPrior 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 discountedWhat We OfferOwn the global licensing function at one of the world's largest crypto exchangesDirect exposure to regulators and licensing regimes across dozens of jurisdictionsHigh-impact role with clear visibility to senior leadership and the boardCompetitive compensation, benefits, and professional development supportDynamic, global team at the cutting edge of crypto market access strategy