Coinbase is reshuffling its leadership at a moment when the rules governing crypto in the US are finally being written in earnest. On July 9, 2026, the company announced that Ryan VanGrack will step into the role of Vice Chair and head of corporate affairs, tasked with driving regulatory engagement, government relations, and global partnerships.
VanGrack joined Coinbase in September 2024, arriving from Citadel Securities where he served as Managing Director and General Counsel. His mandate at Coinbase goes beyond defending the company in court. VanGrack will focus on corporate strategy as Coinbase moves into new product territory, including equities trading and AI-driven financial tools.
Paul Grewal’s exit closes a defining chapter
Paul Grewal, who has served as Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer for six years, is stepping down effective July 31, 2026. He will transition into an advisory role and remain on the board of Coinbase’s National Trust Company.
In 2023, the SEC sued Coinbase directly. Grewal led the legal response. The case was eventually dismissed, a result that stood as one of the more consequential legal victories for the crypto industry during that era.
