Wintermute opens New York office, citing improved US crypto rules

Wintermute, a leading algorithmic crypto trading firm, has expanded its operations into the US, opening a New York office on May 15th. This strategic move follows a perceived improvement in US regulatory conditions and an acceleration of institutional crypto adoption. The company aims to actively participate in shaping the future regulatory framework, contributing its expertise to ongoing legislative efforts.

Wintermute’s expansion includes the appointment of Ron Hammond as Head of Policy and Advocacy. Hammond brings extensive experience in shaping crypto policy, having served as senior director at the Blockchain Association and policy lead for US Representative Warren Davidson. He is also the author of the Token Taxonomy Act of 2021, a significant bipartisan crypto regulatory bill.

The firm’s expansion reflects a broader trend. Since President Trump’s election in 2024 and his expressed intention to prioritize crypto policy, numerous crypto firms have expanded into the US market, anticipating more innovation-friendly regulations. At least eight major players, including Binance.US, eToro, OKX, Nexo, Circle, Crypto.com, and a16z, have announced US expansion this year.

Wintermute has already engaged with the SEC Crypto Task Force, providing technical input and contributing to key legislative initiatives. The company views active participation in the regulatory process as crucial for sustained institutional involvement in the US crypto market.

While the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) Act has advanced through the House Financial Services Committee, the GENIUS Act faced initial setbacks. Despite this, industry analysts like Iliya Kalchev of Nexo remain optimistic about the ongoing momentum towards regulatory clarity in both the House and Senate. The increased activity from firms like Wintermute underscores the growing confidence in the future of the US crypto market under the current administration.