Principal Trader, US

Building the Future of Crypto

Our Krakenites are a world-class team with crypto conviction, united by our desire to discover and unlock the potential of crypto and blockchain technology.

What makes us different?

Kraken is a mission-focused company rooted in crypto values. As a Krakenite, you’ll join us on our mission to accelerate the global adoption of crypto, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, Kraken’s focus on our mission and crypto ethos has attracted many of the most talented crypto experts in the world.

Before you apply, please read the Kraken Culture page to learn more about our internal culture, values, and mission. We also expect candidates to familiarize themselves with the Kraken app. Learn how to create a Kraken account here.

As a fully remote company, we have Krakenites in 70+ countries who speak over 50 languages. Krakenites are industry pioneers who develop premium crypto products for experienced traders, institutions, and newcomers to the space. Kraken is committed to industry-leading security, crypto education, and world-class client support through our products like Kraken Pro, Desktop, Wallet, and Kraken Futures.

Become a Krakenite and build the future of crypto!

Proof of Work

The Team

Kraken’s OTC desk is a market leader in one of the most innovative and fast-growing industries in the world. Renowned for our white-glove service, we provide market-making to clients globally, 24/7. Offering deep liquidity for tighter spreads, we deliver a private and personalized service for institutional clients and high-net-worth individuals executing large orders. Our OTC desk ensures discreet, secure, and ultra-competitive execution and settlement services.

We are expanding our OTC business, and we’re looking for a highly skilled trader who can help shape the desk’s direction and growth. This is a hands-on role where you’ll be actively managing client flow, engaging with counterparties, and driving both strategy and execution.

The Opportunity

• Support and grow the OTC Spot and derivatives desks: Help define strategy, execution, and long-term growth.
• Client engagement & business development: Build and maintain relationships with HNWIs, institutional clients, and counterparties.
• Risk management: Contribute to robust risk management practices across spot, options and other derivatives by confidently taking and managing client flow, pricing effectively, and maintaining discipline and attention to detail.
• Infrastructure & innovation: Partner with technology teams to improve systems across pricing, execution, monitoring, and post-trade processes.
• Cross-desk collaboration: Work with spot, futures, and OTC teams to align strategies, optimize liquidity, and capture synergies.
• Market insights & opportunities: Stay ahead of crypto and derivatives market dynamics, including funding rates, events, and trends, while proactively highlighting opportunities for growth and innovation to clients.
• Growth mindset: Roll up your sleeves to drive business development, expand client relationships, and contribute to the overall expansion of OTC.

Skills You Should HODL

• 5+ years of trading experience, with at least 3 years focused on spot and derivatives trading within financial services, FX, or crypto.
• Expert in Options Pricing, Execution, and managing client flow risk: Deep understanding of options pricing, trade execution, and risk management strategies. Expertise with crypto-specific products and derivatives is essential.
• Strategic execution: Ability to drive the long-term growth of the options desk through smart business development, client-driven flow, and the optimization of trading operations.
• Quantitative and Analytical Expertise: Strong quantitative and analytical skills; familiarity with financial modeling and the ability to develop and implement complex trading strategies.
• Sales & client engagement: Demonstrated ability to cultivate and expand relationships with institutional and HNWI clients, while actively engaging in trading conversations, driving sales, and maintaining strong communication at all times.
• Operational Excellence: In-depth experience with operational processes and safeguards, ensuring trade compliance, smooth execution, and effective risk management throughout the trade lifecycle.
• Adaptability: Comfortable with system implementation, evolving workflows, and creative problem-solving for client needs.
• Passion for markets & innovation: Deep curiosity and drive to stay ahead of market trends, with a strong interest in crypto and derivatives. Committed to continuous learning, staying at the forefront of new technologies, and bringing a forward-thinking, innovative approach.