OKX, one of many world’s main cryptocurrency exchanges, has appointed Linda Lacewell as its new Chief Authorized Officer (CLO). This choice aligns with the corporate’s technique to speed up its world enlargement.
This appointment replaces Mauricio Beugelmans and strengthens OKX’s dedication to enhancing its authorized presence and regulatory compliance in key markets, together with Europe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
OKX Names Linda Lacewell as Its New CLO
Linda Lacewell joined OKX’s board in 2024. She beforehand served as Superintendent of the New York Division of Monetary Providers (NYDFS), the place she modernized the cryptocurrency licensing framework and led groundbreaking initiatives in cybersecurity and monetary crime investigations.
This strategic transfer comes as OKX expands into extremely regulated areas. It highlights the essential position of the brand new CLO in shaping OKX’s future on the worldwide stage.
“Linda’s deep regulatory experience might be invaluable as we take these subsequent steps, making certain that we meet and exceed the best compliance requirements worldwide,” OKX announed.
Lately, OKX has achieved important success in increasing its market presence. The corporate secured licenses in key jurisdictions, together with Dubai in 2022 and Singapore, the place it launched Singapore greenback (SGD) deposit and withdrawal providers in November 2024.
In early 2025, OKX obtained a MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Belongings) license. This made it one of many first cryptocurrency exchanges licensed to supply providers throughout Europe.
Regardless of its success, OKX faces regulatory challenges in some main markets. Resulting from stringent compliance necessities, it has but to realize entry into the US, UK, Canada, and different restricted areas. In 2023, OKX withdrew its Digital Asset Service Supplier (VASP) license software in Hong Kong. This setback highlighted the difficulties of assembly regulatory calls for in sure jurisdictions.
Prime Cryptocurrency Spot Exchanges. Supply: CoinMarketCap.
CoinMarketCap ranks OKX because the fifth-largest trade globally, with a each day buying and selling quantity exceeding $2.3 billion. OKX’s consumer base has additionally surged, rising from 20 million in 2023 to 50 million in 2024—a powerful 150% improve.
