OKX Undergoes Legal Team Restructuring as Global General Counsel Melissa Muehlfeld Departs

Melissa Muehlfeld, the global general counsel of cryptocurrency exchange OKX, has left the company amid a broader restructuring of its legal and compliance teams. This development follows OKX’s $500 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year. Muehlfeld joined OKX’s U.S. subsidiary, OKcoin, in May 2022 as deputy general counsel and was promoted to her global role in August 2024. Her departure highlights ongoing changes within the exchange’s legal framework as it navigates regulatory challenges and strengthens its compliance posture.

OKX Global General Counsel Departs Amid Legal Team Restructuring

Melissa Muehlfeld, global general counsel of cryptocurrency exchange OKX, has exited the firm. Her departure marks the latest in a series of high-profile legal and compliance staff changes following OKX’s $500 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in February.

Muehlfeld joined OKX’s U.S. arm OKcoin in May 2022 as deputy general counsel before rising to her global role in August 2024. The exchange has since replaced several key personnel, including former chief legal officer Mauricio Beugelmans and compliance head Vanessa Zhang.

OKX has appointed Linda Lacewell, former superintendent of the New York Department of Financial Services, as its new chief legal officer. Industry observers note the executive shuffle reflects intensified regulatory scrutiny facing crypto exchanges globally.

OKX Removes 11 Trading Pairs Including USDT/USDC in Major Reshuffle

OKX, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced the delisting of 11 spot trading pairs, including the widely used USDT/USDC stablecoin pair. The MOVE comes as part of a routine review aimed at maintaining market health, though the timing raises eyebrows amid OKX’s aggressive U.S. expansion.

The delisted pairs include ZERO/USDT, PRQ/USDT, IQ/USDT, ARTY/USDT, and SAMO/USDT, among others. OKX cited increased volatility, low liquidity, and poor market performance as key reasons for the decision. The removal of USDT/USDC—a critical liquidity bridge for traders—has particularly stirred market speculation.

With new licenses in 47 U.S. states and a recently established San Jose headquarters, OKX’s strategic pivot appears deliberate. The exchange emphasized its commitment to user protection and market integrity, though traders are left parsing the subtext of this unexpected reshuffle.