Kraken Hires Former Pepperstone EU Director to Lead Cyprus Compliance

U.S. crypto exchange operator Kraken has appointed Stavros Vassiliades as its Head of Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer (AMLCO) for its European Union operations based in Cyprus. This hire signals Kraken's strategic push to reinforce its regulatory infrastructure as it expands beyond its core crypto offerings.

Mr. Vassiliades brings significant experience from the traditional regulated brokerage sector, joining Kraken after serving as Executive Director for Pepperstone EU Limited, the Cyprus-licensed entity of the Australian CFDs broker. Prior to his tenure at Pepperstone, which began in 2022, he was the Head of Compliance for MPS Marketplace Securities Ltd. and also worked at the EU compliance consulting firm MAP Fintech.

The appointment aligns with Kraken's broader strategy of geographical and product expansion, which includes adding EU brokerage licenses and recruiting executives with CFDs brokerage experience. Kraken recently secured $800 million in funding at a $20 billion valuation, with stated goals to grow its offering beyond cryptocurrency. The firm is also currently preparing for a potential public listing in the United States.