Deputy Head of Compliance

It’s rare that a new asset class is born. Nevertheless, we’re witnessing exactly that with the rise of crypto. Over just the last few years, since Bitwise was founded, crypto has evolved from an embryonic $50B market to a growing $3T+ juggernaut. At Bitwise, we believe that crypto has reached a turning point, and is headed north of $10T over the next few years. 

This is an exciting moment for Bitwise as a firm. For eight years, we have established a track record of excellence managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETFs, separately managed accounts, private funds, institutional staking, and hedge fund strategies. This year, we crossed $15B in client assets and are growing quickly. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors partner with Bitwise to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. We are known for providing unparalleled client support through expert research and commentary, a nationwide client team of crypto specialists, and deep access to the crypto ecosystem. 

Currently, Bitwise is a close-knit team of 100+ global professionals. Think of us as a mix of an asset manager and a tech start-up. We’re backed by some of the most accomplished investors in venture capital and veterans of the financial services world. We love working together, we love what we do, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.

About the Role:

The Deputy Head of Compliance, Europe will act as a critical pillar within the Legal & Compliance team. Working closely with and deputising for the General Counsel & Head of Compliance, Europe, you will lead the implementation and oversight of our regulatory strategy, champion high compliance standards across European operations, and help prepare the firm for upcoming regulatory licensing and business expansion.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary deputy to the General Counsel & Head of Compliance, Europe, for Compliance matters, representing the function in executive meetings, regulatory forums, and committee briefings where required. 
• Own the design, maintenance, and regular enhancement of the European Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP), regulatory registers (risks, conflicts, PA dealing, gifts/hospitality, and breaches), and regional compliance policies and procedures, in particular relating to financial crime. 
• Support the marketing, sales and research teams on external marketing communications and financial promotions compliance queries. 
• Monitor and evaluate UK, EU (including MiCA, AIFMD, UCITS, cross-border ETP distribution rules), and relevant global regulatory developments; assess business impact and translate requirements into actionable operational controls.
• Lead the completion and governance of institutional Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs) and KYC exercises (inbound and outbound) for investors, partners, distributors, and other institutional counterparties, as well as oversight of key third-party service providers.
• Drive and project-manage upcoming European licensing applications (scope, regulatory filings, authorisations, and operational readiness) in target jurisdictions.
• Oversee, enhance and administer the regional compliance training programme (utilising Skillcast and bespoke workshops) to foster a proactive, risk-aware compliance culture across the European business.
• Assist in coordinating regulatory submissions, notifications, and ad-hoc queries with relevant supervisory bodies (FCA and European NCAs).

Role Requirements:

• 6+ years of relevant compliance experience within asset management, an ETP/ETF issuer, broker-dealer, or a regulated crypto/fintech institution.
• Deep, practical knowledge of UK FCA rules and EU financial regulations governing financial crime, fund distribution, cross-border marketing, governance, and financial promotions. Demonstrated understanding of or direct experience with digital asset regulation (e.g., MiCA) is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to make robust, pragmatic judgment calls in fast-moving commercial environments, balancing commercial objectives with regulatory adherence.
• Exceptional communication skills with the gravitas to advise front-office teams, senior leadership, and regulatory examiners.
• Direct experience participating in or leading regulatory authorization/licensing processes (e.g., FCA variation of permissions/full authorization, BaFin, AMF, or other EU NCA license applications) is a significant advantage.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder workstreams autonomously to strict deadlines.
• High proficiency with modern operational and compliance stacks and AI tools (e.g., Wordsmith AI, Claude, Asana, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, and compliance training/monitoring software).
• An entrepreneurial, high-ownership mindset that thrives in a high-energy asset manager/start-up blend.

What We Offer:

• Final compensation offered will be determined by factors including candidate experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location
• Equity compensation as a component of all offers
• Private Medical Insurance 
• Health cash plan
• Life insurance (x4)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employer pension contribution 
• Annual leave, increasing with tenure
• Office spaces in San Francisco, New York, and London
• Meals and snacks provided in office
• Paid company mobile phone or stipend
• Bitwise “Buddy” Program (30-day new-hire success program)
• Anniversary gifts
• Company-wide events including annual holiday party
• Internal Women of Bitwise (WOB) group with fun events

Our Values:

At Bitwise, we believe that our success is a direct reflection of the people who power it. Our work is guided by a core set of values that define how we collaborate, innovate, and serve our clients. We don’t just hire for skill; we hire for a shared commitment to the principles below.

Create 'a ha' moments

Move fast, with informed rationale

Ask "What would the client want?"

Show gratitude

Your Interview Process:

Our interview process ensures the best fit for both you and Bitwise, and we strive to make each step valuable, insightful, and efficient.

1. Recruiter Interview
2. Hiring Manager Interview
3. Work Sample
4. Meeting the Team
5. Executive Interview
6. References
7. Offer!

Bitwise is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team of people with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. It is the policy of Bitwise to ensure equal opportunity. All candidates are considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Bitwise Asset Management Inc. is the data controller for your application. We collect your name, contact details, CV, application information and interview notes to assess your application and manage recruitment, relying on our legitimate interests. We do not collect special category data (such as health, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation), so please leave it out of your application. Your data will be processed in, and transferred between, the UK, the EEA and the USA, with appropriate safeguards in place. If your application is unsuccessful, we will keep your data for 12 months and then delete it. You have the right to access, correct or delete your data, and to object to how we use it. To exercise your rights or make a complaint, contact [email protected] . Please refer to our full Applicant Data Protection Notice (also available on our website) for additional details.

Please note that we do not sponsor visas for persons without work authorisation in the United Kingdom. This role is for full-time employees only (no B2B or contractors). Thank you!