Director, Policy and Regulatory Strategy, APAC

Circle is a financial technology company at the epicenter of the emerging internet of money, where value can finally travel like other digital data - globally, nearly instantly and less expensively than legacy settlement systems. This ground-breaking new internet layer opens up previously unimaginable possibilities for payments, commerce and markets that can help raise global economic prosperity and enhance inclusion. Our infrastructure - including USDC, a blockchain-based dollar - helps businesses, institutions and developers harness these breakthroughs and capitalize on this major turning point in the evolution of money and technology.
What you'll be part of:
Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values : High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible and diverse work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.
Role Overview
The Director, Policy & Regulatory Strategy (APAC) will lead Circle's public policy, regulatory strategy, and market positioning across Asia-Pacific. Reporting to the Vice President for Strategy & Policy, APAC, this role will advance adoption and regulatory integration to support circulation of Circle's stablecoin USDC and other digital financial products. You will collaborate closely with regional regulators, policymakers, and industry groups while working cross-functionally with Business, Legal, Compliance, Product, and Finance teams to unlock growth, reduce regulatory friction, and align evolving standards for blockchain-based finance with Circle's business model.
What You'll Be Responsible For
You will lead Circle's policy and regulatory strategy across Asia-Pacific, working with regulators, central banks, and government stakeholders to advance adoption of digital financial products. You will represent Circle in key industry and policy forums, drive licensing and supervision efforts in priority markets, and provide regional intelligence to inform company strategy. You will partner cross-functionally to ensure product-market fit aligns with regulatory expectations, while shaping frameworks that support stablecoin issuance, custody, and cross-border use.
What You'll Work On

• Regional Policy Strategy & Execution: Develop and execute Circle's APAC policy strategy, tailored to each jurisdiction's regulatory landscape, political dynamics, and adoption trajectory.
• Licensing, Supervision & Regulatory Relationships: Engage financial regulators, central banks, and other public sector stakeholders to support licensing and post-licensure supervision efforts in identified priority markets.
• Policy Development & Advocacy: Build and present evidence-based policy positions; manage response coordination and drafting for consultation papers, technical papers, and relevant industry events. Shape narratives that promote alignment of national economic, innovation and regulatory objectives with Circle's products and business model.
• APAC Market Intelligence: Deliver insights on regional market trends, stablecoin usage, Web3 development, and macro-regulatory shifts. Track regulator attitudes and actions to facilitate fintech/blockchain adoption to inform leadership decisions.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Government Affairs: Build trusted relationships with public officials, ministries, and standard-setting bodies. Represent Circle in policy coalitions, fintech associations, and multilateral industry forums in identified priority Asia-Pacific markets.
• Cross-Functional Management: Operate effectively in a matrixed organization. Partner with product, legal, engineering, risk and other relevant internal teams to refine Circle's product-market fit aligned with regulator expectations.
• Outcomes-Oriented Deliverables:
  
  • Regulatory engagement and licensing execution across 3-5 strategic APAC markets.
  • A policy advocacy portfolio that includes frameworks for advancing stablecoin issuance, custody, use, and cross-border transactions.
  • Active participation in or leadership of regional industry working groups.
  • Cadence of APAC policy briefings for senior leadership and external stakeholders.

What You'll Bring to Circle

• Experience : 10+ years of experience in financial regulation, government affairs, central banking, or technology policy, with experience in APAC financial hubs (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea).
• Leadership : Proven track record engaging regulators at a senior level; ability to represent firm interests in bilateral and multilateral settings.
• Policy Depth : Strong understanding of payments, stablecoins, digital assets, and blockchain market structures; familiarity with FATF, BIS, IOSCO, and other international regulatory standards.
• Regional Fluency : Deep familiarity with regulatory processes and political dynamics across Asia Pacific, including NE Asia, ASEAN, Greater China, Australia, and India
• Education : Advanced degree in public policy, law, economics, or international affairs preferred. Policy analysis and cross-border regulatory exposure are strongly valued.
• Communication : Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; capable of translating complex issues into compelling narratives for public and private audiences. Fluency in English required; Mandarin or another Asian language is a plus.
• Mindset : Entrepreneurial, pragmatic, diplomatic, and ethical-able to balance principle and execution in a fast-moving, globally regulated environment where establishing and maintaining trust is critical.

Circle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.
Starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Circle. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.
Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability, please reach out to [email protected] for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.
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