COO (Crypto)

The Opportunity

R77 Global is exclusively representing an ambitious company operating within the fast-evolving crypto payments and digital assets sector. We are searching for an experienced, commercially driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to take ownership of the company's operational strategy, strengthen its infrastructure and support its next phase of growth.

This is a leadership opportunity for someone who combines strategic thinking with a genuinely hands-on approach. We need a leader who understands how payments businesses operate, can navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency transactions and knows how to build efficient, scalable operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, translating business objectives into operational results.

We are not looking for someone who simply oversees operations. We want someone who takes ownership, solves problems and makes things happen.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Business Strategy

• Take full ownership of the company's day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, performance and operational excellence.
• Work closely with the CEO to develop and execute the company's operational and growth strategy.
• Build scalable operational structures, processes and systems to support international expansion.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs, service levels and business performance metrics.
• Identify operational inefficiencies, introduce improvements and drive measurable results.
• Lead cross-functional teams and encourage accountability, collaboration and high performance.

Crypto Payments & Financial Operations

• Oversee operational processes relating to cryptocurrency payments, digital asset transactions and fiat-to-crypto payment flows.
• Manage relationships with payment service providers, banking partners, liquidity providers and other strategic partners.
• Ensure efficient transaction processing, reconciliation, settlements and operational reporting.
• Oversee operational controls relating to wallets, payment infrastructure, on-ramp and off-ramp services, where applicable.
• Collaborate with Finance and Treasury teams to optimise liquidity management, settlement efficiency and operational cash flow.
• Identify opportunities to improve payment performance, reduce transaction costs and strengthen service delivery.

Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Coordination

• Work closely with Compliance, Legal and Risk teams to ensure operational processes support applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support the implementation of appropriate AML, KYC, transaction monitoring and fraud-prevention controls.
• Maintain operational awareness of European regulatory frameworks relevant to crypto assets and payment services, including MiCA where applicable.
• Strengthen internal controls, business continuity procedures and operational risk management.
• Support regulatory engagements, audits and licensing-related operational requirements as needed.

Business Growth & Commercial Development

• Partner with senior leadership to identify new market opportunities, strategic partnerships and operational expansion initiatives.
• Support the introduction of new payment products, services and infrastructure.
• Evaluate commercial opportunities and ensure the business has the operational capability to deliver them.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders and service providers.
• Support commercial negotiations and identify opportunities for improved cost efficiency and profitability.

People Leadership & Organisational Development

• Build, mentor and lead high-performing teams across multiple functions and locations.
• Develop clear accountability structures, responsibilities and performance expectations.
• Create a culture of ownership, initiative and continuous improvement.
• Lead effectively within a remote-first, internationally distributed environment.
• Work closely with the CEO to shape organisational structure as the company grows.

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Significant senior leadership experience within cryptocurrency payments, digital assets, fintech or payment services, with direct exposure to crypto payment operations.
• Proven experience as a COO, Head of Operations, VP Operations, Operations Director or in a comparable senior leadership position.
• Strong understanding of payment processing, settlement operations, banking relationships and payment infrastructure.
• Practical knowledge of cryptocurrency transactions, digital wallets, fiat and crypto payment flows, and relevant operational risks.
• Demonstrated success in building, improving or scaling operations within a fast-moving financial services or technology business.
• Strong commercial awareness, financial understanding and the ability to balance growth with operational efficiency.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• An understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations within European financial services and digital assets.
• Excellent English communication, negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Must currently be based and resident within a European Union member state.

Highly Desirable

• Experience within a crypto payment gateway, stablecoin payments business, exchange, PSP, EMI or related financial infrastructure company.
• Experience scaling a startup or high-growth fintech business.
• Knowledge of MiCA, PSD2, European AML requirements and operational resilience frameworks.
• Established relationships with banks, payment providers, liquidity partners or other crypto ecosystem participants.
• Experience managing international payment operations and multi-currency settlement structures.
• Previous involvement in launching new markets, establishing operational infrastructure or supporting licensing processes.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Fully remote position, based within the European Union.
• Direct involvement in shaping the strategic and operational direction of a crypto payments business.
• Significant influence over business performance, scalability and future growth.
• Opportunity to work closely with senior decision-makers and contribute to key commercial initiatives.
• Exposure to the rapidly expanding digital assets and payments ecosystem.
• A position offering real ownership, leadership responsibility and the opportunity to make a measurable impact.

Interested?

If you are an experienced operations leader with a strong background in crypto payments, a commercial mindset and the ability to turn strategy into execution, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Apply through R77 Global or reach out directly to discuss this opportunity in confidence.

R77 Global – Executive Search & Strategic Talent Advisory