Country Manager - Crypto Exchange

Our client, a cryptocurrency exchange is looking for its next Country Head for Korea. This is a build-and-own mandate, not a caretaker role: you'll set the go-to-market strategy, drive the regulatory and licensing agenda, and be the person accountable for market share and revenue growth in one of the most competitive digital asset markets globally. **What you'll own:** - Full P&L and GTM strategy for the Korea market, including BD/partnership programs and competitive positioning against entrenched local players - The regulatory roadmap — securing and maintaining the licenses required to operate the full product suite locally, and acting as the primary voice with regulators and government stakeholders - Market and competitor intelligence — spotting where the real opportunity sits, not just where everyone else is already fighting - Local product input, working closely with global product teams to localize the roadmap - Building and coaching a high-performing local team **What we're looking for:** - 12+ years of senior leadership in a large, fast-growing exchange, fintech, or payments business — direct crypto exchange experience is a strong plus but not the only path in - Someone equally comfortable at the strategic table and in the weeds — you can articulate a market thesis in detail, not just at 30,000 feet, and you're ready to be pressure-tested on the specifics - A track record of navigating regulatory bodies and licensing processes in a heavily regulated, competitive market - Decisive, direct, and comfortable operating at speed — this is a hands-on leadership seat in a fast-moving environment, not a steady-state management role - Genuine, self-driven interest in digital assets — we're looking for people who've done their own research and formed real conviction, not just professional exposure - Fluent in Korean and English