Kraken Hires Marcus Hughes, Former MD Of Coinbase’s European Business

• Kraken hires Marcus Hughes, former Managing Director of Coinbase’s European business and General Counsel for its international operations
• But why did Kraken hire a top executive of a competitor crypto exchange?

Kraken has announced the recruitment of a senior executive from the rival global cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase as part of its initiative to stay abreast of the continually evolving regulations in the crypto space.

CEO of Kraken, David Ripley, clarified that Marcus Hughes held the position of Managing Director for Coinbase’s European business and served as the General Counsel for its international operations.

Kraken Hires Former Coinbase Executive

In a recent statement, Ripley highlighted Hughes’ extensive experience not only at Coinbase but also in the investment banking sector, highlighting his suitability to navigate the regulations in the crypto industry as the new global head of regulatory strategy:

“With nearly a decade of traditional finance experience at Morgan Stanley before that, he is well positioned to drive our regulatory strategy and expansion efforts around the globe.”

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Moreover, he points out that new regulatory changes are unfolding by the day, and the exchange must be ready for any additional regulations that are expected to be clarified in the United States following this year’s November election.

“As a global player we need to adapt to changes in regulation across the markets we operate in while ensuring we are efficient and effective when building out our footprint to best serve our clients.”

Additionally, the exchange revealed that it had hired Gilles BianRosa as Chief Operating and Product Officer. Similarly to Hughes, BianRosa has TradFi experience working at European Neobank N26.

Gilles BianRosa (Left) and Marcus Hughes (Right). Source: KrakenGilles BianRosa (Left) and Marcus Hughes (Right). Source: Kraken

Coinbase And Other Exchanges Receive Warning from US Senator

This occurs amidst controversy surrounding crypto exchanges hiring former government officials, purportedly aiming to influence favorable crypto regulations. 

Critics label these crypto firms as a “revolving door” of ex-government officials in the US.

Meanwhile, in December 2023, BeInCrypto reported in a letter to the Blockchain Association that Warren discouraged the hiring of former government officials for crypto advocacy in their push for regulations.

“I write regarding a troubling new report that your association and other crypto interests are “flexing a not-so secret weapon: a small army of former defense, national security and law enforcement officials” to work on your behalf.”

However, Warren states it shows a gap in the nation’s ethics laws. Former officials transitioning to lobbying roles immediately after public service undermines the public’s confidence in government integrity.

Senator Warren urges for more transparency and accountability in the industry.