tl;dr
Binance Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, is leaving the crypto exchange after four years investigating illicit finance and cybercrimes. A former IRS agent, Gambaryan plans to seek new challenges in the public sector or mission-driven private institutions. He joined Binance in 20...
Binance's Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, is departing the crypto exchange after serving for four years, signaling a pursuit of new career challenges in the public sector or mission-driven private institutions. Gambaryan, a former IRS agent, joined Binance in 2021 and established a specialized team of approximately 100 law enforcement professionals aimed at aligning Binance with U.S. and international enforcement standards. Under his leadership, the exchange responded to over 57,000 law enforcement requests, reinforcing its compliance infrastructure.
His exit follows a series of leadership shifts at Binance, including the resignation of founder Changpeng Zhao in 2023 amid legal controversies related to anti-money laundering and sanctions violations. Additionally, several senior executives have left Binance recently, paving the way for CEO Richard Teng’s appointment. Teng, a former regulator, has steered the company towards a more corporate and transparent culture, distancing Binance from its previously less formal reputation.
Gambaryan gained international attention in 2024 after an eight-month detention by Nigerian authorities on allegations linked to his role at Binance. He was released following a decline in his health and has since shared his experience at various crypto conferences, highlighting the challenges faced in the industry.
In his departure announcement, Gambaryan emphasized the increasing need for experienced professionals who can effectively bridge technology, law enforcement, and compliance within the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. He stated his intention to continue contributing in roles centered on this intersection, aiming to make a meaningful impact beyond Binance.