FNG Exclusive… FNG has learned that US crypto exchange operator Kraken has hired experienced FX and CFDs industry executive Stavros Vassiliades, as Head of Compliance & Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer (AMLCO) in Cyprus, where Kraken has based its EU/MiFIDII operations.

Stavros Vassiliades joins Kraken after serving as Executive Director for Pepperstone EU Limited, the licensed Cyprus operation of Australia based CFDs broker Pepperstone. Prior to joining Pepperstone in 2022, Stavros was Head of Compliance for MPS Marketplace Securities Ltd. He also previously worked at leading EU compliance consulting firm MAP Fintech as an Operations & Compliance Manager.

Kraken, alongside a number of other leading crypto exchanges (such as Crypto.com), has been actively expanding outside of crypto products, as well as geographically with moves such as adding EU brokerage licenses, and hiring people with CFDs brokerage experience. Kraken recently raised $800 million at a $20 billion valuation with a stated goal to expand beyond crypto, and has also filed to go public in the US.