The world’s largest crypto exchange Binance (PC42 profile) has appointed Steven McWhirter, a former top official from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as its global director of regulatory policy. According to The Block, McWhirter left the regulator after a more than nine-year tenure, where he held several fintech-related roles. He recently worked as a strategy and engagement manager in the data, technology, and innovation division.
He had contributed to the much-anticipated Kalifa Review of UK Fintech, commissioned by the chancellor to identify strategic areas of development in the sector.
On his LinkedIn profile, he states that he has
McWhirter is the regulatory officer that joined the crypto train. Earlier this week, The Block revealed that the Bank of England’s fintech chief had left to join custody platform Fireblocks. Last year, Austrian crypto unicorn Bitpanda hired former FCA official Matthias Bauer-Langgartner as its managing director for UK and Ireland. Alongside these, ex-UK chancellor Philip Hammond joined Copper as a senior advisor last year.