Key Takeaways:
- Patrick Donegan ended his role as OKX’s global chief compliance officer after six months, where he led anti-money laundering (AML) efforts and developed significant regulatory relationships.
- His departure occurs amidst heightened regulatory scrutiny over cryptocurrency exchanges, with U.S. actions against KuCoin and a settlement with Binance emphasizing the focus on compliance.
- Previously, Donegan significantly contributed to Signature Bank as chief compliance officer and senior vice president, leveraging his extensive regulatory and AML expertise in the crypto-friendly institution.
Patrick Donegan, who oversaw a global team of 300 according to his LinkedIn profile, concluded his tenure as the global chief compliance officer at OKX from August 2023 to January 2024.
In January, after a brief six-month period, Patrick Donegan stepped down from his position as OKX’s global chief compliance officer.
Cosmic Force feed: OKX’s Global Compliance Chief Left After Six Months https://t.co/HXn7I1PTcz https://t.co/QhvW3zK6Bq pic.twitter.com/GBeRuGb0Pv
— Cosmic Force 🎮 Crypto Gold Rush ⛏ (@WavemStudios) March 28, 2024
His role encompassed significant responsibilities, including spearheading anti-money laundering efforts within the organization.
Donegan, boasting extensive regulatory expertise, particularly in anti-money laundering (AML) strategies, was instrumental in developing policies and fostering regulatory relationships while balancing business growth.
His exit comes at a time when cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide face increasing regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning anti-money laundering measures.
Notably, recent actions by U.S. federal prosecutors against KuCoin for AML law violations and a settlement with Binance highlight the intensified focus on regulatory compliance within the crypto sector.
Before joining OKX, Donegan played a pivotal role as the chief compliance officer and senior vice president at Signature Bank, known for its crypto-friendly services, where he contributed nearly eight years of service.