Binance Hires Ex-Gemini CEO to Crack Europe’s Crypto Regulation Puzzle

Binance makes a power move—poaching Gemini’s former CEO to tackle Europe’s regulatory gauntlet. Because nothing says 'compliance' like hiring a rival’s ex-boss.

Europe’s crypto rules tighter than a banker’s grip on fees? Binance isn’t waiting around. The exchange just drafted a heavyweight to decode the continent’s regulatory labyrinth—because apparently, even crypto giants need tour guides now.

The play: Leverage institutional credibility to outmaneuver regulators. The subtext: Traditional finance’s 'move fast and break things' era is over—welcome to 'move carefully and lawyer up.'

One cynical footnote: Nothing unites crypto giants faster than the existential threat of paperwork.

Binance’s calculated bet on regulatory credibility

Gillian Lynch’s resume reads like a playbook for navigating financial oversight, with stints at Gemini, where she secured Ireland’s VIRTUAL Asset Service Provider registration, and Bank of Ireland, where she led retail strategy and IT operations.

At fintech firm Leveris, she modernized legacy banking infrastructure, blending together an experience that translates directly into Binance’s need to align with MiCA’s stringent operational requirements.

Binance said Lynch’s mandate following her appointment includes overseeing the crypto exchange’s day-to-day operations across Europe while spearheading regulatory engagement. This means not just applying for licenses but shaping the dialogue around compliance, a task Lynch has described as foundational to crypto’s next phase.

“I’m looking forward to building on the company’s momentum across Europe and the UK, collaborating closely with regulators, policymakers, and our community. Together, we will strengthen trust, uphold Binance’s Gold standard of commitment to users, and help shape a more inclusive and resilient digital-asset ecosystem with Binance at the forefront,” Lynch stated.

Lynch’s appointment underscores a broader push by Binance to solidify its standing in Europe, where rivals like Coinbase and OKX have already secured MiCA licenses. The exchange has taken pains to demonstrate compliance, including delisting nine stablecoins, including Tether and DAI, in the EEA earlier this year to preemptively meet MiCA’s asset rules.

The crypto exchange holds Digital Asset Service Provider registrations in France and Italy, with pending approvals in Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.