CV, Crypto Exchange Operations, Regulated Markets
Igor Haleta CV
C-level executive with 8+ years building and scaling crypto products and operations across the EU, UAE and MENA.
Professional Summary
C-level executive with 8+ years building and scaling crypto products and operations across EU, UAE and MENA. Proven track record in exchange operations, regulatory compliance (VARA, VASP), team scaling from 3 to 68, and P&L management with $1M+ raised. Deep expertise in CEX/DEX development, tokenization and go-to-market strategy for regulated markets.
Core Skills
Experience
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Jun 2025 – May 2026 · 1 yr
Head of Exchange Operations, UMO, Dubai, UAE
Led the 0→1 launch of VARA-aligned crypto exchange infrastructure and operational framework for UAE market entry. Designed the operating model, fee structure and liquidity strategy; built VARA-aligned KYC/AML, risk and internal-policy architecture; developed MENA go-to-market strategy; coordinated compliance, product and operations teams; and built partnerships with liquidity and service providers.
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Jun 2024 – Jun 2025 · 1 yr
Chief Executive Officer, Comet Space, Dubai, UAE
Led full business operations for a Web3 gamedev studio, including P&L ownership, team scaling, product launch and go-to-market execution across mobile and Web3 platforms. Secured $1M+ in funding, owned budget allocation and runway planning, built the team from 3 to 68 people, and launched Poomb Creatures on App Store, Google Play and Telegram to 50,000+ users within 3 months of marketing launch.
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Jan 2024 – May 2024 · 5 mos
Business Development Manager, Bitget, Poland
Built the KOL network for Bitget's EU launch with 100+ influencers, 30+ partnerships and $30M+ monthly trading volume. Led market expansion in Poland/EU, drove regional trader acquisition and represented Bitget at 5+ blockchain conferences across Poland.
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Sep 2022 – Dec 2023 · 1 yr 4 mos
Country Manager, Qmall, Poland
Led market expansion and business development for a CEX startup in Poland/EU, built the local team and drove regional trader acquisition. Secured institutional partnerships in Poland, managed teams across marketing, compliance and product, and coordinated the VASP licensing process with legal teams.
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Jul 2018 – Jun 2022 · 4 yrs
Head of Crypto Operations, Stobox (USA), Remote
Led business operations across ICO/STO consulting, crypto exchange development and tokenization platform work. Delivered end-to-end launch services for 10+ ICO/STO projects, led investor roadshows in China and the EU, built and operated CEX and DEX platforms for tokenized securities, scaled trading volume +30% through liquidity and market-making strategies, and brokered a $200K Gate.io investment into a market-making firm.
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Nov 2017 – Jun 2018 · 8 mos
Business Development Analyst (Internship), Polski Akcelerator Technologii Blockchain, Warsaw
Supported Poland's Digital PLN (CBDC) initiative, researched stablecoin and digital-currency adoption models, and collaborated with government institutions and private-sector stakeholders on blockchain feasibility.
Education
Bachelor & Master in International Relations, Lazarski University, Warsaw. 2013–2018.
Additional
Side project: Built an AI companion app from 0 → App Store in 8 weeks; designed a 9-layer memory architecture with persistent identity and emotional continuity; built AI orchestration overcoming LLM session reset limitations using React Native, Claude API and Supabase; localized into 7 languages.
Languages: English (Professional), Polish (Native), Ukrainian (Native), Russian (Native).
Media: Featured in BeInCrypto, DailyCoin, Bitcoin.pl, FXMAG and Comparic.
Recommendations: 10+ LinkedIn recommendations from C-level executives and industry professionals.
What people say
"Deep understanding of how crypto products function. He bridges the gap between product, business logic, and execution. Proactive, reliable, and easy to work with."
"Igor stands out for his ability to bridge business and technology. He doesn't just discuss ideas, he drives them to execution."
"One of those people who just 'gets it', both from a product side and a regulatory perspective. No hype, no shortcuts. He builds things that actually work and scale."
"It was a pleasure working with Igor. Extremely dedicated and passionate about getting things done. Organized, structured, and action oriented."
Speaking & events
20+ events as speaker and participant, including NBX Crypto Summit, Blockchain Life Dubai, Conversion Conf and World Blockchain Summit. See all conference photos on the home page →
FAQ
Who is Igor Haleta?
Igor Haleta is a senior crypto operator based in Warsaw, Poland, with 8+ years across exchange operations, market entry, VASP and VARA advisory, crypto M&A due diligence, tokenization and regulated growth.
What roles is Igor best suited for?
Best-fit roles include General Manager, Country Manager, Regional Director, Head of Exchange Operations, Head of Operations, Market Entry Lead, C-level roles and founding-operator roles.
Which regions does Igor work across?
Europe, the UAE, MENA and Asia. Igor is based in Warsaw, has hands-on experience in Dubai and has led investor roadshows in China and Hong Kong.
What is Igor's track record with crypto exchanges?
His track record includes VARA-aligned exchange operations at UMO, CEX and DEX platforms for tokenized securities at Stobox, a Bitget EU KOL network with $30M+ monthly volume, team scaling from 3 to 68, $1M+ raised and 10+ ICO/STO launches.
Can Igor advise on VARA, VASP or MiCA-aware operations?
Yes. Igor has worked on VARA-aligned operating frameworks, VASP licensing coordination with legal teams, KYC and AML design, risk processes and operational readiness for regulated crypto businesses.
Can Igor help with crypto M&A due diligence?
Yes. Igor supports operational and commercial due diligence for crypto exchanges and VASPs, deal-structuring support, buyer-seller facilitation and risk assessment.
Can Igor help with tokenization or fundraising?
Yes. Igor has delivered 10+ ICO and STO launches across real estate, logistics, banking and digital assets, including tokenomics, fundraising strategy, listings, investor roadshows and KOL growth.
How do I contact Igor?
Email galetigor@gmail.com, Telegram @galet777, or LinkedIn Igor Haleta.