Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has made a significant move in strengthening its regulatory compliance efforts. The exchange recently announced the appointment of Eleanor Hughes as its new general counsel. With her extensive experience and past successes, Hughes is tasked with leading Binance’s global regulatory initiatives in an ever-evolving industry.
Hughes first joined Binance in November 2021, assuming the role of head of legal for the APAC (Asia-Pacific) and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) regions. In this capacity, she played a vital role in securing operational licenses for Binance in various jurisdictions, including Dubai and Bahrain. Her achievements in these regions have undoubtedly contributed to her promotion as the leader of Binance’s global regulatory efforts.
Binance’s decision to appoint Hughes as the new general counsel comes at a time when the exchange is facing considerable challenges with regulatory compliance in major regions such as Europe and the United States. The increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure have necessitated swift action, and Binance hopes that Hughes will be instrumental in navigating these complex compliance issues.
In her new role, Hughes will work closely with Binance’s Global Compliance team to support the responsible growth of the global Web3 industry. The collaboration will involve engaging with regulators and policymakers worldwide, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and adherence to regulatory frameworks. By prioritizing these partnerships, Binance aims to foster a sustainable and compliant environment for the rapidly expanding Web3 industry.
The appointment of Hughes follows the recent departure of Han Ng, who previously held the position of general counsel at Binance. Ng’s departure, along with two other executives, Patrick Hillman (chief strategy officer) and Steven Christie (vice president of compliance), fueled speculation about internal conflicts and regulatory concerns. Media reports even suggested that impending legal action by the U.S. Department of Justice may have been a factor.
However, both Hillman and Binance CEO Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao swiftly addressed and dismissed the rumors surrounding the departures. Hillman used social media to refute the reports, asserting that they were baseless and that the executives left for personal reasons. CZ labeled the rumors as “FUD” (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) and reassured stakeholders that personnel changes are a normal part of the exchange’s operations.
Despite the regulatory challenges and external pressures, Binance remains committed to its mission of facilitating the growth of the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. The exchange acknowledges the need to adapt and strengthen its regulatory compliance efforts continually. With Eleanor Hughes at the helm as the new general counsel, Binance is poised to navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape while solidifying its position as a global leader in the cryptocurrency market.
In a bold move to bolster its regulatory compliance efforts, Binance has appointed Eleanor Hughes as its new general counsel. Drawing on her past accomplishments in obtaining operational licenses, Hughes is well-equipped to lead Binance’s global regulatory initiatives. Amidst speculation surrounding recent executive departures, Binance emphasizes that these changes are routine and part of its ongoing operations. By collaborating with regulators and policymakers and engaging its Global Compliance team, Binance strives to foster responsible growth within the Web3 industry as it confronts regulatory challenges head-on.
