US-based cryptocurrency exchange Gemini has tapped a former Morgan Stanley executive for its operations in Asia.
Andy Meehan will act as the firm’s chief compliance officer for the Asia Pacific, overseeing strategic compliance and regulatory relationships within the region.
Per a Thursday press release, Meehan will be responsible for ensuring Gemini’s alignment with regulatory guidelines, shaping strategy, product and operations.
Meehan brings with him years of experience in compliance, having worked at large law firms such as Hong Kong’s Kobre & Kim and financial services firm Credit Suisse.
At Morgan Stanley, Meehan served as head of legal for the company’s global financial crimes division, also in the Asia Pacific region.
The new chief compliance officer will be based in Singapore and report directly to Gemini’s new Asia director, Jeremy Ng.
The most healthy financial markets are ones that are “thoughtfully regulated” Ng said. Crypto companies operating in stringent regulatory jurisdictions “will have the greatest opportunity.”
The exchange – founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss – has already applied with the Monetary Authority of Singapore for a financial license under the country’s Payment Services Act.
Gemini is also an approved trust company in New York state, and recently launched in the U.K. after being awarded an Electronic Money Institution license.
