Wintermute, the London-based algorithmic trading powerhouse, has set up shop in New York City as of today, May 15, 2025. This move is a clear nod to the evolving regulatory landscape in the United States, which is becoming increasingly friendly to digital assets. The company, known for its prowess in market-making, announced its expansion via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting its commitment to shaping the future of crypto regulations in the world’s largest economy.
The New York Leap
Wintermute’s decision to establish a foothold in New York underscores a broader trend of crypto firms looking to the US for growth opportunities. “As the US takes a friendlier stance on digital assets and institutional adoption accelerates, we moved quickly to establish roots in New York City,” the company stated. The expansion is not just about tapping into a lucrative market but also about playing a pivotal role in the regulatory discourse. “We’re eager to continue our growth and play an integral role in the U.S. market,” remarked Evgeny Gaevoy, CEO of Wintermute. He sees the firm as a “neutral player” with the expertise necessary to engage effectively with policymakers on Capitol Hill. This aligns with the ongoing debate over crypto legislation in Congress, which is expected to intensify this summer.
A Policy Powerhouse
In a strategic move, Wintermute has brought Ron Hammond on board as its new head of policy and advocacy. Hammond, a seasoned veteran with a decade of experience influencing crypto policy, previously served as the senior director of government relations at the Blockchain Association. He is also lauded for authoring the Token Taxonomy Act of 2021, the first bipartisan-supported crypto bill in the US. His appointment signals Wintermute’s serious intent to navigate and influence US crypto regulations.
The company has already made inroads by meeting with the SEC Crypto Task Force, offering technical insights to legislative efforts that are crucial for institutional engagement. Wintermute’s involvement comes at a time when the US is witnessing a surge in crypto firms establishing operations within its borders. Just this year, eight major crypto companies, including Binance.US and Crypto.com, have announced expansions stateside, buoyed by an administration that views crypto policy as a national priority. For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage of the SEC’s latest guidance on staking.
Regulatory Winds of Change
The regulatory climate in the US has seen significant shifts since President Donald Trump took office in January 2024. His administration has prioritized crypto policy, fueling expectations for innovative regulatory frameworks. This environment has encouraged firms like Wintermute to plant their flags and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about digital assets.
However, the path to regulatory clarity is not without its hurdles. The STABLE Act, designed to enhance transparency and accountability for stablecoins, recently passed the House Financial Services Committee but still awaits a floor vote. Meanwhile, the GENIUS Act, another piece of stablecoin legislation, has struggled to gain traction, particularly among Democrats. This has prompted a gathering of top crypto founders in Washington, DC, advocating for its passage.
Despite these challenges, there is a palpable sense of momentum. “Momentum toward regulatory clarity remains active in both chambers,” observed Iliya Kalchev, an analyst at Nexo. Industry participants are hopeful that continued engagement with policymakers will yield a more robust and stable regulatory environment.
Looking Forward
Wintermute’s New York expansion is emblematic of a larger movement within the crypto industry towards embracing regulatory engagement as a key component of growth strategy. As the company integrates itself into the US market, it raises intriguing questions about the future of crypto regulations and the role of private firms in shaping them.
With the US crypto regulatory landscape in flux, Wintermute’s proactive approach could serve as a blueprint for others. How these efforts unfold in the coming months will be telling. For now, the crypto world watches closely as one of its key players takes a bold step into new territory.
Source
This article is based on: Wintermute opens New York office, citing improved US crypto rules
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- The SEC Can Learn From the IRS in Making Regulation Simpler for Crypto
- UK’s FCA Seeks Public and Industry Views on Crypto Regulation
- Crypto Coalition Tells SEC Staking Is ‘Essential Good,’ Not a Security
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
