Binance, a global leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure, has announced Eleanor Hughes as its General Counsel. Hughes will direct Binance's legal affairs, supported by a team of 85 lawyers, and align with the global compliance team to further Binance's commitment to responsible industry growth alongside global regulators and policymakers.
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance Founder and CEO, expressed his confidence in Hughes, stating, "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. 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' journey at Binance began in November 2021, when she joined the Legal team. Her ascent to the Head of Legal for APAC and MENA has been marked by her efficient oversight of matters in these regions and her successful management of a team of lawyers specializing in regulatory affairs, M&A, commercial law, and litigation. Her leadership led to Binance acquiring virtual asset service provider licenses and registrations in jurisdictions including Bahrain, Dubai, and New Zealand.
"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. "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."
Prior to Binance, Hughes offered 15 years of legal expertise in both private practice and in-house roles, spending more than ten years at US law firms such as Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates, specializing in litigation and contentious matters. Hughes is a First Class Honors graduate from the University of Cambridge.