Key facts
- Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal is stepping down after six years.
- Grewal will transition to an advisory role on July 31.
- Molly Abraham will become the new General Counsel and Secretary.
- Ryan VanGrack has been appointed as Vice Chairman and head of global government relations.
- Grewal led Coinbase's legal fight against the SEC and advocated for crypto market structure legislation.
- Grewal will continue to serve on the Board of Coinbase National Trust Company.
Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal announced his departure after a six-year tenure, effective July 31, when he will transition to an advisory role. Molly Abraham, previously VP of Legal, will become General Counsel and Secretary, while Ryan VanGrack, also a VP of Legal, steps into the newly created role of Vice Chairman, leading global government relations and partnerships. Grewal's departure marks the end of a significant period for the company's legal and policy operations, during which he led the defense against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and advocated for clear market structure legislation, including the CLARITY Act. The SEC lawsuit against Coinbase was dismissed after Donald Trump retook office. Grewal will continue his service on the Board of Coinbase National Trust Company. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong praised Grewal for guiding the company through difficult situations, and industry figures like Jake Chervinsky and Laura Shin acknowledged his impact on crypto law and the industry. The leadership transition signals a new phase for Coinbase, focusing on execution and global expansion.