Eleanor Hughes will helm the global blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider’s 85-strong legal division
Global blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider Binance has elevated its head of legal for APAC and MENA, Eleanor Hughes, to GC.
“The digital assets industry is in a transformational time as it experiences rapid mainstream adoption and evolves to be a mature, regulated sector. I am excited to lead the accomplished legal team at Binance during such a pivotal time”, Hughes said.
As GC, Hughes will head up Binance’s 85-strong legal team. She will be working alongside the company’s global compliance team.
“Eleanor has been working at Binance for nearly two years now and, during that period, she has quickly grown to be a trusted advisor to me and Binance on legal matters. Her extensive legal experience, strong industry knowledge, deep integrity, and great work ethic make her an indispensable asset to the company”, Binance Founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao said. “With Eleanor at the helm, I am confident that our industry-leading legal team will continue to excel in its mission to always protect users and manage risks on our platform”.
Hughes has worked in both private practice and in-house for the past 15 years. She was a litigation and contentious matters specialist with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates for more than a decade.
She commenced her tenure with the organisation in November 2021, eventually rising up the ranks to become head of legal for APAC and MENA. In this position, she managed matters in both regions and led lawyers with specialist experience in regulatory affairs, M&A, commercial law and litigation.
According to Binance, she was critical to the company obtaining virtual asset service provider licenses and registrations in jurisdictions like Bahrain, Dubai, and New Zealand.
“Together with regulators, Binance has the responsibility as an industry leader to ensure consumers are protected while leaving space for the technology to keep growing and innovating. Our team will continue to engage and collaborate closely with regulators around the globe to achieve this vision”, Hughes said.