FNG has learned that crypto platform operator Kraken has promoted Cyprus based executive Stavros Vassiliades to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Director – EU.

Stavros Vassiliades joined Kraken last year after serving for three years as Executive Director for Pepperstone EU Limited, the licensed Cyprus operation of Australia based CFDs broker Pepperstone. Prior to his time at Pepperstone, 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 digital asset products, as well as geographically with moves such as adding EU brokerage licenses, and hiring people with CFDs brokerage experience. In 2024 Kraken parent Payward acquired Cyprus CIF license holder Pacific Union Group Ltd, now renamed Payward Europe Digital Solutions (CY) Limited, which now offers online trading services throughout Europe via websites eu.kraken.com as well as ninjatrader.com/eu.