Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal Steps Down After Six Years

Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal is stepping down after approximately six years in the role, the crypto exchange announced Thursday. Grewal, who oversaw legal strategy during Coinbase's multi-year Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit and its April 2021 public listing, cited completion of major milestones including the SEC legal victory and corporate relocation to Texas as reasons for his departure. The announcement follows Grewal's July 8 SEC 8-K filing notifying his intention to resign effective July 31, with a three-month advisory agreement to follow. His tenure included leading Coinbase through regulatory challenges and policy advocacy efforts for crypto legislation.

Grewal joined Coinbase in summer 2020, replacing previous Chief Legal Officer Brian Brooks to oversee legal, compliance, and government relations. He is perhaps best known for serving as the exchange's top lawyer during its legal battle with the SEC, which sued Coinbase in 2023 for allegedly operating as an unregistered broker, clearinghouse and exchange. "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 said Thursday on X.

Grewal Files Official Resignation Effective July 31

Grewal filed an official SEC 8-K filing on July 8 notifying the firm and the public of his intention to step down effective July 31. Following his resignation, he will enter a three-month advisory agreement with Coinbase. He will also continue to serve on the Board of Coinbase National Trust Company during this transition period.

Molly Abraham Named Successor as General Counsel

Molly Abraham, Coinbase's current vice president of legal, is expected to be appointed as the new general counsel, heading up Coinbase's legal department. Abraham has been at Coinbase since March 2021. "Molly has been in the trenches with me on our most important legal battles for 5+ years. Molly is a warrior and ready to lead," Grewal said on X.

Ryan VanGrack, another Coinbase legal VP, will step into a new role as vice chairman. Coinbase Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad will continue to lead the company's global policy team, Grewal said.

FAQ

When does Paul Grewal's resignation from Coinbase become effective? Paul Grewal's resignation as Coinbase Chief Legal Officer becomes effective July 31, according to his SEC 8-K filing submitted on July 8. He will then enter a three-month advisory agreement with the company.

Who will replace Paul Grewal as Coinbase's top legal officer? Molly Abraham, Coinbase's current vice president of legal, is expected to be appointed as the new general counsel. Abraham has been with Coinbase since March 2021 and worked alongside Grewal on major legal battles for over five years.