Strike CEO Faces Banking Hurdles Amid Crypto Scrutiny
Strike CEO Jack Mallers revealed his abrupt termination from JPMorgan Chase, alongside his father—a 30-year private client—without clear explanation. Bank representatives cited compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, refusing further details. The move reignites debate over crypto executives facing covert banking restrictions under the guise of regulatory adherence.
Mallers shared a letter stating the bank may bar future accounts, highlighting persistent financial system bias against digital asset firms. Former President Trump’s 2020 order prohibiting banks from cutting ties with crypto businesses appears disregarded, with industry figures alleging continued regulatory pressure under the Biden administration.
Bo Hines, Trump’s former digital assets adviser, publicly challenged Chase’s actions, referencing the defunct Operation Choke Point—a controversial initiative critics claim resurfaces through backdoor policies. The incident underscores the fragile banking relationships crypto innovators navigate despite growing institutional adoption.