- Paul Grewal exits Coinbase as CLO after six years, effective at the end of July.
- Grewal led Coinbase through its IPO, the SEC lawsuit victory and its Texas move.
- Molly Abraham becomes Coinbase General Counsel after five years of key legal work.
Paul Grewal, the lawyer who led Coinbase through its IPO, its war with the SEC, and its relocation from Delaware to Texas, is leaving the company after six years as Chief Legal Officer.
Grewal announced his departure on X on Thursday, describing it as the conclusion of a chapter rather than the result of any conflict or boardroom dispute. He will transition to an advisory role at the end of July and has signed a three-month advisory agreement that keeps him connected to the company through October. He will also continue to serve on the board of Coinbase National Trust Company.
“After helping to take the company public, fighting the SEC and winning, moving us from Delaware to Texas, working to get GENIUS and soon CLARITY passed into law, and so much more — now is my time for new adventures,” Grewal wrote.
He has not named his next position, saying he will share details in due course. Coinbase disclosed in an 8-K filing with the SEC that Grewal notified the company of his resignation on 8 July, with the departure effective 31 July.
What He Did at Coinbase
Grewal’s six years at the company covered some of the most consequential legal moments in US crypto history. He led Coinbase’s response to the SEC’s 2023 lawsuit, which alleged the exchange had operated as an unregistered securities exchange, broker and clearing agency. Coinbase contested the case and ultimately prevailed.
He also oversaw the company’s reincorporation move to Texas and played a central role in Washington advocacy around the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act.
Who Replaces Him
Molly Abraham, Coinbase’s vice president of legal, who has worked alongside Grewal on major legal battles at Coinbase for more than five years, will become the company’s new General Counsel. “Molly has been in the trenches with me on our most important legal battles for five-plus years,” Grewal wrote. “Molly is a warrior and ready to lead.”
Robert Van Grack will step into a newly created role as Vice Chairman, working with governments and partners globally to advance Coinbase’s business interests. Faryar Shirzad will continue leading the global policy team.
Grewal said the company he is leaving is in strong hands. “We’ve built something exceptional here,” he wrote. “I am so proud, mostly because of the incredible people I got to work alongside.”
Related: Lummis Says Senate Nears Final Push on Landmark Crypto CLARITY Act
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