Binance.US Appoints Former New York Fed Compliance Chief to Board

  • Binance.US’s decision to add Martin Grant, a seasoned compliance expert with over 30 years of experience, to its board is a strategic move to bolster its governance and adherence to regulatory standards. 
  • Grant’s appointment is timely given the ongoing legal challenges the exchange faces with the SEC.

Binance.US has announced the addition of Martin Grant, a former senior official at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, to its board of directors. Grant, who served as the New York Fed’s chief compliance and ethics officer for 17 years, joins the board in a significant move aimed at reinforcing Binance.US’s commitment to regulatory compliance.

Grant’s appointment comes in the wake of significant changes within the Binance organization, including the departure of Changpeng Zhao, the founder and former CEO of Binance, from the board.

This change followed a multibillion-dollar settlement with U.S. regulators over money laundering and sanctions violation allegations; however, Binance.US was not directly involved in the settlement.

In his statement, Grant emphasized the critical juncture the American digital asset industry finds itself at and expressed his eagerness to contribute to the future direction of one of the most influential crypto platforms in the U.S.

With more than 30 years of experience in legal and compliance-focused roles, primarily at the New York Fed, Grant brings a wealth of regulatory expertise to his new role.

Binance.US is currently engaged in legal disputes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as the agency pushes for U.S. crypto trading platforms to comply with national securities exchange regulations.

The SEC has accused Binance.US and other major exchanges of operating as unregistered brokers, exchanges, and clearinghouses. However, Binance.US CEO Norman Reed expressed confidence in the company’s legal standing against the SEC, arguing that the regulator did not provide clear guidance on which digital assets constitute securities.

The exchange’s chief operating officer, Chris Blodgett, acknowledged that trading volumes initially suffered due to the SEC’s actions and the company’s transition to a crypto-only exchange.

However, he reported a strong rebound in volumes, revenue, and user engagement across the platform in recent quarters, in part due to the overall recovery of the broader crypto market.

Binance.US is also in the process of re-hiring some employees who were let go last year, signaling a positive shift in the company’s outlook as it navigates the complex regulatory landscape and seeks to strengthen its position in the digital asset market.

Strengthening Compliance and Outlook

The addition of Martin Grant to Binance.US’s board signals the company’s focus on reinforcing its regulatory compliance and governance amid ongoing legal battles with the SEC.

As the exchange experiences a rebound in trading volumes and continues its recovery, Grant’s extensive experience in compliance and regulatory affairs is expected to contribute positively to Binance.US’s efforts in navigating the complexities of the crypto landscape and strengthening its market position.

Disclaimer : This article was created for informational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. An asset’s past performance does not predict its future returns. Before making an investment, please conduct your own research, as digital assets like cryptocurrencies are highly risky and volatile financial instruments.

Author: Mehar Nayar

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