Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced the appointment of its new Global Advisory Board (GAB), which includes eminent experts in public policy, government, finance, economics, and corporate governance.
The Global Advisory Board, chaired by Max Baucus, former US Senator and Ambassador to China, recently met in Paris, France. The board’s mission is to advise Binance on some of the most complex regulatory, political, and social issues confronting the entire crypto industry as it rapidly grows and evolves.
“For the past five years, Binance has been at the forefront of pioneering the exciting new world of crypto, blockchain, and Web3,” said Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao. “In that time, we’ve tackled complex issues no one even knew existed. We’ve maintained our focus throughout on delivering compliance solutions that protect the interests of crypto users while keeping a brisk pace of socially-beneficial innovation. The GAB represents the next big step forward in our journey to share the benefits of modern finance and the blockchain with the world.”
“The blockchain and crypto industry can act as a true catalyst for growth and economic opportunities. For the cities willing to partner with companies like Binance to create progressive regulations and an effective Web3 environment, I expect it to enable a number of investments into the space. I look forward to working with a number of experts as part of Binance’s Global Advisory Board in order to collaborate,” said South Africa’s Leslie Maasdorp.
Prior to joining Binance’s Global Advisory Board, Leslie has served as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the New Development Bank, Former MD & President for Southern Africa at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Former Vice Chairman of Barclays Capital, and Former International Adviser to Goldman Sachs.
Binance is harnessing the GAB’s unrivaled collective experience and expertise to benefit the sustainable development of the industry as a whole, by weighing in on the toughest and most sensitive regulatory and compliance issues facing crypto, blockchain, and Web3.
“We always put our users first, and that’s served as a very effective North Star for us over the past five years of unprecedented, exciting growth,” Zhao said. “With the GAB, we’re supercharging our ability to manage regulatory complexity by tapping into the highest level of expertise available anywhere in the world. This collaboration between Binance and the leading experts of the GAB is a testament to our focus on compliance, transparency, and ensuring a collaborative relationship with the world’s regulators as they develop sensible regulations worldwide.”
The 12 GAB members and their opening remarks are listed below.
Max Baucus: “Of all the technologies with the potential to create positive disruption, the world of crypto, blockchain, and Web3 is among the most exciting and the most promising. That’s why it is a great pleasure to participate in setting up the Binance Global Advisory Board and bringing the group’s unrivaled collective expertise to bear in solving complex problems with a socially positive outcome.”
Lord Ed Vaizey: “Blockchain and Web3 technologies promise to be foundational to the future of the internet and the financial system at large. The next few years will be vital in setting the tone for the future of this nascent industry around the world. Helping the Binance Global Advisory Board chart a path through these challenges is a privilege and I look forward to working more closely with the impressive group that Binance has brought together.”
David Wright: “Cryptocurrencies are increasingly challenging traditional finance. As they grow and the regulatory landscape evolves, the GAB will advise Binance on how to define and shape the optimal global and regional development of future financial services, traditional and blockchain-enabled, and I look forward to working with distinguished GAB colleagues on these complex challenges.”
Bruno Bézard: “The cryptocurrency industry is at a crossroads as regulation begins to solidify globally. Binance has brought together a group that is as global as the industry it represents, and brings together some of the world’s leading experts across the financial and political worlds. It is an honor to be invited to join them.”
Christin Schäfer: “With Web3, and the underlying blockchain technologies, come profoundly new ways of interacting with the internet and dealing with data. The Global Advisory Board that Binance has built brings together experts that can help guide the company and industry at large through managing the risks and challenges ahead.”
Ibukun Awosika (Nigeria): “The transparency and accountability with which Binance seeks to deliver services to its clients are impressive. As a company of the future, Binance must continue to evolve, build and find solutions in real-time. I am proud to play a role as a member of its Global advisory board and to be a part of truly transforming the web3 economy.”
Leslie Maasdorp (South Africa): “The blockchain and crypto industry can act as a true catalyst for growth and economic opportunities. For the cities willing to partner with companies like Binance to create progressive regulations and an effective Web3 environment, I expect it to enable a number of investments into the space. I look forward to working with a number of experts as part of Binance’s Global Advisory Board in order to collaborate.”
Henrique de Campos Meirelles (Brazil): “Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are going to set the tone of the financial services of the future, with great benefits to the economies, financial inclusion, and the quality of service that people have access to worldwide. The Binance Global Advisory Board composed of leading experts in many areas will have a relevant role in helping this nascent and growing industry establish itself as regulations across the world evolve so that we work to build a safe and sustainable ecosystem for all.”
Adalberto Palma Gómez (Mexico): “Cryptocurrencies and the whole blockchain ecosystem will increasingly impact people’s lives and benefit society with more democratic and accessible services to all. As the market grows and adoption scales, the Binance Global Advisory Board will help not only the platform but also all the industry evolve so that its future is sustainable and secure for societies. It is a privilege to work with this group and be part of this transforming moment.”
HyungRin Bang (Korea): “With the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry entering into new phases globally, it is inspiring to be part of the Binance Global Advisory Board, where esteemed experts from different fields join to discuss the industry’s sustainability. As an advocate of information and technology, Korea has substantially grown its domestic cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. I wish to add value to the GAB with insights I learned witnessing the growth of technology throughout my career.”
