Payment Director, Kazakhstan

Job description

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world's largest digital asset exchange by trading volume and registered users. We are trusted by 300+ million people in 100+ countries for our industry-leading security, user fund transparency, trading engine speed, deep liquidity, and an unmatched portfolio of digital asset products. Binance offerings range from trading and finance to education, research, payments, institutional services, Web3 features, and more. We leverage the power of digital assets and blockchain to build an inclusive financial ecosystem to advance the freedom of money and improve financial access for people around the world. ### About the Role Binance is exploring opportunities to expand its licensed payment business in Kazakhstan and the broader CIS region. We are looking for a senior executive to lead this effort on the ground: engaging with regulators and government stakeholders, obtaining the relevant licences, and building the local licensed business into a fully functional, compliant, and audit-ready organization. ### Responsibilities - Lead the licensing programme with Kazakhstan regulators, including the NBK and AFSA: application preparation, regulatory dialogue, sandbox participation, and establishment of local licensed structures as required - Build the local licensed business into a fully functional organization: corporate governance, board and management structures, internal policies and controls, staffing, and all functions required for the licence to be granted and maintained - Serve as Binance's senior local representative to the NBK, AFSA/AIFC, and other Kazakhstan authorities: manage day-to-day regulatory communications, examinations, inspections, and ongoing reporting obligations - Lead government relations: build and maintain relationships with government bodies, policy makers, and industry associations, and advocate for a favorable regulatory framework for licensed digital asset payment providers - Establish and oversee the local compliance, AML/CFT, and risk management functions, ensuring they meet NBK and AFSA fit-and-proper and prudential standards from day one and remain audit-ready at all times - Ensure the sound day-to-day running of the local licensed business: safeguarding of client funds, regulatory reporting, audits, incident and complaint handling, outsourcing oversight, and business continuity - Work closely with Binance's payments, legal, and compliance teams: translate regulatory requirements into local practice and coordinate local approvals for products and services - Recruit and lead the local team across compliance, risk, regulatory affairs, and operations ### Requirements - 10+ years in senior roles in payments, banking, or fintech, with a focus on regulatory affairs, compliance, or operations, including C-level experience obtaining payment licences and leading a local PSP or other licensed payment business in Kazakhstan - Proven track record of obtaining and operating under NBK licences; deep working knowledge of the Kazakhstan payments law, NBK prudential and reporting requirements, and the AIFC/AFSA regulatory framework - Established relationships with Kazakhstan regulators and government stakeholders; demonstrated ability to lead licensing dialogues and policy engagement at the most senior levels - Experience building and leading a regulated financial entity: governance, internal controls, staffing, and regulatory readiness - Strong expertise in compliance, AML/CFT, and risk management within a regulated financial institution - Experience managing the ongoing obligations of a regulated business: regulatory reporting, audits and inspections, safeguarding, and outsourcing arrangements - Eligibility to pass fit-and-proper assessment for a senior regulated appointment - Excellent leadership and team-building skills; ability to work effectively with global cross-functional teams in a fast-moving environment - Fluent Russian and English required, Kazakh strongly preferred ### Why Binance - Shape the future with the world's leading blockchain ecosystem - Collaborate with world-class talent in a user-centric global organization with a flat structure - Tackle unique, fast-paced projects with autonomy in an innovative environment - Thrive in a results-driven workplace with opportunities for career growth and continuous learning - Competitive salary and company benefits