BitMEX, a leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, today announced it has appointed regulatory expert Angelina Kwan to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Kwan previously served as Managing Director and Head of Regulatory Compliance for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX).
She will be responsible for overseeing and driving the company’s growth, while guiding BitMEX on its mission to offer advanced, innovative financial products for the global cryptocurrency industry. Kwan brings more than 24 years of experience in leadership roles for financial products across the Asia Pacific region and the United States.
She has gained a deep understanding of operations and regulatory strategy, having spent eight years working at the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC), in addition to a wealth of experience with global financial services firms, ranging from retail securities trading to asset management. Kwan will be based in Hong Kong, a global hub for cryptocurrency innovation.
“Welcoming Angelina — experienced in traditional finance and regulation — to the BitMEX team is a significant milestone not just for our company, but for the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. I believe Angelina’s decision to join us is a signal that the global markets are shifting focus to the rapidly-expanding domain of crypto-coins. Angelina’s vast experience in regulation, trading platforms, business development, restructuring, and investor and stakeholder relations will be pivotal as we continue the push towards mainstream cryptocurrency adoption and broaden our community.”
Kwan is a Hong Kong Government-appointed member of the Women’s Commission, the Council for Sustainable Development, the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust and the Administrative Appeals Board; a Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Securities Industry Development Corporation of Malaysia; Vice-Chairman and Director of The Women’s Foundation; a Fellow and Member of the Regulatory Accountability Board; Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and an Honorary Adjunct Professor of Finance for the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
“My most memorable accomplishments — from successfully restructuring and relisting a bankrupt financial services company, spearheading the establishment of new operations or companies, to serving on a number of boards and committees — have been joining organizations that are at the cusp of making a major breakthrough, so it’s with a sense of great excitement that I take on the challenge of driving BitMEX to new market heights. In addition to being a true market leader among trading platforms, BitMEX shares my value of gender inclusion, particularly in STEM fields. Cryptocurrency markets present an exciting new opportunity for women to get involved in the intersection of finance and technology, two fields in which they are chronically under-represented. BitMEX has made its commitment to meritocracy clear, and is sending the message that women with deep backgrounds in finance and business can execute at the highest level within cryptocurrency companies.”