Tether Boosts Team with PayPal Executive for Regulatory Role

Tether Expands Leadership with Paypal Executive for Government Affairs

Tether, the prominent stablecoin issuer, has announced the onboarding of Jesse Spiro as its new head of government affairs. Spiro, who previously held a senior role at PayPal, will now lead Tether’s efforts in managing policy, regulatory relations, and engagement with key stakeholders. His appointment reflects Tether’s focus on navigating the complex regulatory landscape while continuing its commitment to innovation in the crypto space.

What’s the News?

On September 13, Tether revealed that Spiro, who served as head of regulatory relations for PayPal’s blockchain and crypto business, has been appointed to head government affairs at the company. During his time at PayPal, Spiro contributed to the growth of its crypto services from 2021 to 2024, and prior to that, he held significant roles at Chainalysis, focusing on policy and government relations in the crypto industry.

In his new role, Spiro will engage with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders to support the development of the broader crypto ecosystem. According to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, Spiro’s hiring aligns with Tether’s mission of ensuring responsible innovation and growth in the blockchain sector.

This announcement also comes at a time when Tether has been active in assisting law enforcement efforts, helping the United States Justice Department seize funds linked to scams like pig butchering and romance fraud. However, concerns still loom over the company, with Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse suggesting that Tether could face enforcement actions from US authorities in the future.

Previously, Tether paid a $41 million fine to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in 2021 after being accused of misrepresenting its USDT reserves. Despite criticism over its transparency, Tether continues to expand its operations.

Conclusion

Jesse Spiro’s hiring comes as the US considers legislation aimed at regulating stablecoins, including the bipartisan Lummis-Gillibrand Payment Stablecoin Act. With Spiro’s expertise and Tether’s continued focus on regulatory engagement, the company hopes to build stronger ties with lawmakers and strengthen its position in the evolving crypto landscape.

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