European HQ,
US Based Regulated Digital Asset Exchange
Engaged on an exclusive basis following a competitive process to identify and attract a first class CEO and Chief Compliance Officer & MLRO for their new Irish Entity.
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Time was of the essence due to Central Bank deadlines for securing a VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider).
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Our client required confidentiality, speed and access to a small pool of qualified people with backgrounds in regulated entities and Digital Assets.
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Key to success for us was our developed and deep relationships having supported 9 of 11 registered VASPs (at that point in time) in some way.
The Client
Our client was a US based FinTech who had recently closed a significant funding round to launch a regulated exchange. Backing was from top tier VCs and the founders had pedigree having built and sold previously.
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They needed candidates who could match the technical requirements of both roles but also, fit the culture of the business - dynamic, fast paced and highly entrepreneurial.
Market Conditions
The regulated Digital Asset space in Ireland has continued to grow. With Ireland seen as being a regulatory destination of choice, by reputation, it is an attractive location to base European Operations.
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The flip side, the regulatory standards require commitment to hiring appropriately qualified and experienced individuals, particularly for senior roles designated as PCF (Pre Approved Control Functions).
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The combination of Digital Asset experience and having previously held a PCF role in a regulated entity made the market pool tight.
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Tight markets require trust to penetrate. Skills are in demand and people are used to being approached. The Digital Asset space also has a prevalence of somewhat undesirable opportunities. An approach from a trusted person will always go way beyond a somewhat anonymous and cold LinkedIn message.
The Search
Due to Paul's profile in the Digital Asset space, a long list was quickly generated of people with the requisite mix required. This was additionally supplemented with a number of prospective candidates without Digital Asset experience from MiFID firms due to the close alignment with upcoming MiCA regulation.
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This supplemental search was focused on MiFID regulated firms with reasonable scale that had experienced recent growth in Dublin and required deep research and careful attraction methods.
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This long list for both roles was thoroughly evaluated through in depth interviews resulting in shortlists being delivered quickly.
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​Highlights:
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First interview 1 day after terms signed for CEO role
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First 3 profiles for CEO and 1 for CCO after 3 days
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First interviews arranged 10 days after terms signed
Outcomes
After an extensive process, preferred candidates were identified, offered and contracts signed with no negative surprises.
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No search is ever completely straight forward but what set this up for success were a number of key factors:
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The client completed a process before selecting a search partner. With our pitch conditioned on exclusivity, this guaranteed complete engagement once we were selected.
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A well designed interview process with speedy feedback and momentum maintained throughout ensured candidate engagement.
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Personal networks are key for hires like this - tight market, trust required and speed needed.
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Offers were pitched correctly first time leading to easy agreement.
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A tightly managed process - consistent communication and management leading to no negative surprises (people dropping out of processes, last minute hitches, etc.)