Kraken Appoints Bivu Das as UK Corporate Representative to Drive Business Expansion
Kraken, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has recently appointed Bivu Das as its UK corporate representative. Das, an experienced fintech entrepreneur and former executive at Starling Bank, will take on the role of Managing Director for the UK market, succeeding Blair Halliday. This appointment comes as Kraken seeks to expand its operations in the UK and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
Background and Expertise
Bivu Das brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Prior to joining Kraken, he founded crypto payments gateway startup Unblock and worked on a small business finance platform called FIBR UK. Additionally, Das served as the head of operations strategy and scaling at Starling Bank, further enhancing his knowledge of the financial technology sector.
Responsibilities and Goals
As the Managing Director for the UK market, Bivu Das will be responsible for overseeing Kraken’s operations. This includes managing the staff presence and client base, as well as fostering regulatory, political, and commercial relationships. Kraken’s goal is to expand its presence in the UK and capitalize on the growing interest in cryptocurrencies within the country.
“Crypto adoption is vital for serving the millions of underserved individuals in the UK and around the world. I am proud to lead Kraken’s operations in the UK and contribute to the next phase of the company’s journey. Crypto has the disruptive potential to revolutionize the financial system.”
– Bivu Das, Managing Director of Kraken UK
Continuity and Growth
Bivu Das’s appointment as Managing Director follows the departure of Blair Halliday, who played a significant role in driving Kraken’s success. Halliday recognized the UK’s exit from the European Union as a pivotal moment for the country’s crypto aspirations. With Das’s extensive background in financial services and technology consultancy, including working with major institutions such as Barclays, KPMG, and Deloitte, he is well-suited to lead Kraken’s UK operations and contribute to the UK’s ambition of becoming a global crypto hub.
Regulatory Landscape and Clarity
Kraken is registered with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a cryptoasset exchange and custodian wallet provider, with authorizations for its derivatives and benchmarking units. Das’s appointment aligns with the UK’s proactive approach to cryptocurrency regulation. The country has implemented a financial promotion framework for crypto and is progressing towards a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework. The aim is to provide clarity, investor protection, and accountability within the crypto industry. Kraken believes these advancements will unlock the potential of cryptocurrencies as an asset class.
“Continuous engagement with regulators is crucial in shaping the UK’s crypto asset framework. Education and awareness are key to unlocking the mainstream potential of the crypto industry.”
– Bivu Das, Managing Director of Kraken UK
In light of the new regulations impacting the crypto industry in the UK, Das expresses confidence in Kraken’s readiness to navigate this evolving environment. The company remains committed to cooperating with regulators and is well-prepared for the “next chapter” of crypto.
