OKX News: Former NYDFS Head Appointed as Chief Legal Officer Amid European Expansion

In a significant move that underscores its commitment to regulatory compliance and market expansion, cryptocurrency exchange OKX has appointed a high-profile figure from the traditional financial sector to a key leadership position.

OKX Appoints Former NYDFS Head as Chief Legal Officer

Crypto exchange OKX has appointed Linda Lacewell, the former Superintendent of the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), as its new Chief Legal Officer. She will oversee the company’s global regulatory and compliance strategy. Lacewell joined OKX as a board member in 2024 and has been involved in advising its legal and compliance teams. Her appointment comes as the exchange expands its operations in key markets, including Europe and the United Arab Emirates. OKX also confirmed the departure of Mauricio Beugelmans, who served as the company’s Chief Legal Officer for a year and eight months.

OKX Parts Ways with CLO Beugelmans After $500M Settlement

OKX has parted ways with its Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Beugelmans following a $500 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Beugelmans served at the exchange for three years and eight months, from August 2021 to March 2025. His exit is believed to be related to the settlement. Additionally, OKX’s American division, OKcoin, received a subpoena from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) last year regarding digital asset transaction fraud and other unlawful conduct. The exchange was reportedly on the wrong side of the law for years.