Coinbase Names Regulatory Veteran as New Vice Chair

Coinbase has announced a leadership shake-up as it navigates the evolving regulatory landscape for crypto in the US. Effective July 31, 2026, Paul Grewal will step down as Chief Legal Officer after six years with the company.

Grewal's departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Coinbase, which saw its legal team led by him defend against an SEC lawsuit in 2023. The case was eventually dismissed, a notable win for the crypto industry at the time.

Ryan VanGrack has been appointed Vice Chair and head of corporate affairs to lead Coinbase's regulatory engagement efforts. A seasoned veteran from Citadel Securities, where he served as Managing Director and General Counsel, VanGrack brings valuable experience to this new role.

In addition to his responsibilities in driving regulatory engagement, VanGrack will focus on corporate strategy as Coinbase expands into new product areas, including equities trading and AI-driven financial tools. His background at the SEC and in government makes him well-suited for navigating the complex regulatory frameworks surrounding these emerging technologies.