CEO – CASP (Riga)

🌍 About the Company

The client is a newly established Latvian subsidiary backed by an established EU-regulated financial services business and preparing to enter the European crypto-assets market. The company is currently building its local organisation and applying for authorisation as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider under MiCA. Its objective is to establish a credible, well-governed business in Latvia and serve customers across the European Union once authorised. This is an early-stage opportunity with direct influence over the company’s strategy, operating model and culture.

💼 About the Role

As Chief Executive Officer, you will take executive ownership of the company’s authorisation, operational readiness and market entry. Working with the shareholders, governing body and control function leaders, you will establish the governance, resources and processes expected of a regulated CASP. You will also act as a primary representative of the company before Latvijas Banka and other external stakeholders.

🔍 Responsibilities

• Lead the company through its MiCA/CASP authorisation process and ensure timely delivery of the licensing roadmap;

• Develop and execute the business strategy, operating model and market-entry plan;

• Establish effective local governance, decision-making and management reporting arrangements;

• Ensure that the company maintains adequate local substance, resources and operational capacity in Latvia;

• Build and lead the local team across Compliance, AML, Risk, Finance, Operations and Technology;

• Work with control function leaders to implement robust AML/CFT, sanctions, risk and internal control frameworks;

• Oversee financial planning, capital adequacy, budgets and operational expenditure;

• Ensure readiness across ICT governance, outsourcing, operational resilience and DORA requirements;

• Maintain transparent communication with Latvijas Banka, external advisers, auditors and strategic partners;

• Report to the governing body and shareholders on licensing progress, financial performance, risks and strategic priorities.

🎓 Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in FinTech, crypto-assets, payments, banking or another regulated financial services sector;

• Previous experience as a CEO or Management Board member of an EU-licensed Electronic Money Institution (EMI);

• Strong understanding of MiCA, CASP governance and the regulatory environment for crypto-asset services;

• Proven experience working directly with financial supervisory authorities and maintaining an EMI’s governance, safeguarding, capital, risk and compliance framework;

• Experience supporting or leading a financial services licensing, authorisation or regulated market-entry process;

• Practical knowledge of corporate governance, AML/CFT, risk management, outsourcing and financial control;

• A professional record and reputation suitable for regulatory fit and proper assessment;

• Fluency in Latvian and English, both written and spoken;

• The right to work in Latvia and the ability to maintain a regular executive presence in Riga.

Nice to Have

• Previous engagement with Latvijas Banka or another EU financial supervisory authority;

• Experience establishing a CASP, FinTech or regulated financial institution from an early stage;

• Knowledge of crypto-asset custody, exchange, transfer or trading services;

• A degree in finance, economics, business, law or another relevant discipline.

🤝 Key Competencies

• Executive ownership and accountability for regulatory outcomes;

• The ability to turn regulatory requirements into a workable commercial organisation;

• Credible communication with regulators, shareholders and senior specialists;

• Decisive leadership in situations involving incomplete information;

• High integrity, sound judgement and a disciplined approach to governance.

✨ The Employer Offers

• A founding CEO mandate with responsibility for building a regulated Latvian business;

• Direct influence over strategy, governance, recruitment and market entry;

• A salary depending on relevant experience;

• Close cooperation with shareholders, specialist advisers and regulatory professionals;

• The opportunity to lead a company through the full MiCA authorisation journey;

• Long-term executive growth linked to successful licensing and business development;

• Potential performance-based incentives aligned with agreed regulatory and commercial milestones.

If you have the regulatory credibility and entrepreneurial discipline to build a CASP from licensing through launch, this role offers genuine executive ownership. Submit your application to begin a confidential discussion.