Kenya Country Manager

Job Description
About Us:
VALR is Africa's largest crypto exchange by trade volume, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Serving over 1 million users globally, including 1,100 corporate and institutional clients, we're licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, with additional approvals to offer services in Europe and initial approval from Dubai's VARA.

VALR distinguishes itself with a customer-first philosophy, delivering secure, transparent, and innovative solutions for both professional and retail traders.

Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where finance unites rather than divides. Our name, derived from the word "valour" without distinction between American and British English, symbolises our commitment to universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every human being. These values drive us to design a platform that breaks down financial barriers, making it as seamless to send value across borders as it is to send an email.

Our Mission
At our core, we're a values-driven exchange, dedicated to building a financial ecosystem that serves all of humanity. We believe in simplifying the complex world of crypto and blockchain to make it accessible to everyone, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain-powered future.

We're Dedicated To

• Serving all Humanity: Inspired by the adage "it is expensive to be poor," we're committed to creating a financial ecosystem accessible to all, challenging the status quo and reducing the frictions of outdated systems.
• Promoting for Unity: Our platform reflects our belief in a socio-financial evolution. We envision a future where the global community is not defined by national boundaries but united by a shared vision of justice and prosperity.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in financial services, fintech, or crypto, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of the Kenyan financial and regulatory environment, including payments, AML/KYC, and Central Bank regulations.
• Proven experience managing P&L and delivering commercial growth in a regulated market.
• Strong relationships with regulators, banks, payment providers, and key ecosystem partners.
• Experience building teams and operational structures from the ground up.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or Law; a postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Kiswahili is an advantage.
• Demonstrated alignment with VALR's values of humility, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• The role requires permanent residence in Kenya to ensure strong, continuous engagement in the local market. Kenyan citizenship is not a requirement.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead VALR's market entry and business operations in Kenya in line with group strategy.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain strong relationships with the Central Bank of Kenya and other authorities.
• Build and manage a local team to deliver operational, compliance, and commercial outcomes.
• Develop and execute a local growth strategy covering user acquisition, partnerships, and product localisation.
• Manage Kenya's P&L, budgets, and financial performance to ensure sustainable growth.
• Build partnerships with banks, payment providers, fintechs, and local institutions.
• Represent VALR externally with regulators, partners, media, and at industry events.
• Collaborate with global teams across Compliance, Product, Legal, and Marketing to align local execution with global standards.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory changes to identify risks and opportunities.

Job Benefits

• Innovative Work Environment

• Engage with the latest blockchain technologies and tools in a rapidly evolving industry.

• Work from anywhere with secure, stable internet connectivity, allowing you to create your ideal workspace.

• Career Development

• Benefit from an annual professional development allowance alongside scheduled company training sessions to keep you at the forefront of the crypto industry.

• Competitive Compensation

• Competitive salaries that align with industry standards.

• When you contribute to our success, you'll be rewarded with discretionary bonuses, recognising your impact on VALR's growth.

• Receive preferential Tier 5 trading fees on VALR, with no monthly trading volume required.

• Diversity and Inclusion

• A commitment to fostering a diverse workforce with initiatives that promote equity and belonging.

• Wellness

• Employees are encouraged to strive for coherent and wholesome lives, fulfilling their work, personal, social, physical and spiritual goals to the best of their abilities.

• Compliance with statutory leave required by individual countries, in addition to flexible leave options.

• Impact and Contribution

• At VALR, we believe in a financial system that recognises the oneness of humanity. Our mission is to break down financial barriers and promote universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every individual.

• Engage in initiatives that promote education and awareness about cryptocurrencies, ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to participate in the evolving financial landscape.

• Dynamic Team Culture

• Open communication and teamwork across departments, fostering innovation and creativity.

• Enjoy social gatherings outside of work to strengthen team bonds and boost morale.

• Global Exposure

• Work with colleagues from around the world.

• Exposure to diverse perspectives and practices in the crypto space.

• Recognition and Rewards

• Regular acknowledgement of employee accomplishments, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.

• Join us for retreats that blend professional development with team bonding in inspiring locations.

• Tools for Success

• Receive a Mac laptop and a discretionary allowance to purchase all the extras needed for a productive home office, yours to keep after three years (terms and conditions apply).