Why Did OKX’s Compliance Boss Bail After Only Six Months?

Last Updated on March 29, 2024

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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 periodPatrick Donegan stepped down from his position as OKX’s global chief compliance officer.

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.

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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.

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