This is a segment from the Forward Guidance newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe . The so-called “Trump effect” on crypto has materialized — at least for one prominent crypto player — in the form of a stateside hiring spree. Ripple is seeking new pros across all departments. Roughly three-quarters of its open positions are based in the US, including those in its recently expanded San Francisco and New York offices. Open roles include a general compliance manager and financial systems lead of enterprise performance management in San Fran, as well as a KYC/due diligence specialist in NYC. Also a bunch of engineers. The pick-up in hiring reflects optimism in the US market as a new administration steps into power ( Trump , his cabinet nominees and a pro-crypto Congress ). 2025 is here and the Trump bull market is real. For Ripple, this is even more personal after Gensler's SEC effectively froze our business opportunities here at home for years. The optimism is obvious and very deserved. Today: ✅75% of Ripple’s open roles are now US-based, while… — Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) January 5, 2025 “While initial SEC policy shifts could begin within the first few months under new leadership, legislative progress may advance steadily as policymakers prioritize clear frameworks for digital assets,” a Ripple spokesperson told me. “The most immediate impact will likely come through changes in enforcement and by way of offering more regulatory guidance.” And perhaps less regulatory guidance, in some scenarios. The SEC, under a new leader (after Gary Gensler’s departure ) could revoke SAB121, for example — guidance deterring some major players from custodying crypto. Ultimately, Ripple said it’s looking for an end to SEC regulation by enforcement (the company knows all about legal battles with the SEC ). It also seeks “fit-for-purpose frameworks” (rather than applying decades-old regulations) and “clear guidelines for institutional sales and distributions.” Such aforementioned clarifications would allow the company to significantly expand its US operations, the spokesperson said. The rep added: “We’ve already seen this starting to happen, closing as many enterprise deals in the two months post-election as in the previous six months.” Start your day with top crypto insights from David Canellis and Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter . Explore the growing intersection between crypto, macroeconomics, policy and finance with Ben Strack, Casey Wagner and Felix Jauvin. Subscribe to the Forward Guidance newsletter . Get alpha directly in your inbox with the 0xResearch newsletter — market highlights, charts, degen trade ideas, governance updates, and more. The Lightspeed newsletter is all things Solana, in your inbox, every day. Subscribe to daily Solana news from Jack Kubinec and Jeff Albus.
