Kraken Appoints Natasha Powell as U.K. Head of Compliance

According to people familiar with the situation, well-known cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has named Natasha Powell as its new head of compliance in the United Kingdom. Powell will start her position in November and will provide the company with substantial regulatory experience as it works through the rapidly changing crypto ecosystem.

Powell was once the chief compliance officer of the cryptocurrency payments company BCB Group. She began her career with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the main financial regulator in the United Kingdom, giving her a strong grounding in the financial services industry. According to her LinkedIn page, she has held compliance positions at prestigious companies including RBS and Barclays Capital.

A Kraken spokesperson, in response to Powell’s appointment, noted, “We’re always exploring new opportunities to enhance our offering with talent from the industry.” Despite multiple inquiries, Powell declined to comment on her new role at Kraken.

Kraken’s move to bring in Powell underscores the company’s focus on compliance as it continues to expand in the U.K. market. With her extensive regulatory background, Powell’s addition is seen as a strategic move to bolster Kraken’s compliance capabilities, particularly in a period where regulatory scrutiny in the crypto sector is increasing.

This hire reflects Kraken’s ongoing commitment to regulatory adherence and market growth, aligning with its broader strategy to solidify its standing within the U.K. and beyond.