Former LA Mayor Joins Coinbase

Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles, has joined cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase as a policy advisor. Coinbase’s Chief Policy Officer, Faryar Shirzad, announced on social media that Villaraigosa will focus on promoting global economic freedom. Shirzad highlighted the necessity of reforming the banking system to better serve the underbanked populations, particularly within Black and Hispanic communities.

Villaraigosa will advise on regulatory frameworks for U.S. customers but will not engage in lobbying. Rodrigo Seira, formerly special counsel at crypto venture firm Paradigm, has returned to his previous law firm, Cooley LLP. Seira's work at Paradigm included leading the firm’s policy initiatives and co-founding a law firm focused on blockchain and cryptocurrency law. His departure marks a significant shift as he returns to more traditional legal pursuits.

BitGo has hired Brett Reeves, a former Citibank executive, to lead its sales expansion in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. With over two decades in the banking industry, including a recent role as head of business development at Bequant, Reeves brings extensive experience to BitGo. His appointment is part of BitGo’s strategy to broaden its market reach across key global regions.