Leading crypto market maker Wintermute has officially launched its U.S. operations with the opening of a new headquarters in New York City, signaling a major step in its global expansion strategy.
As part of its U.S. entry, Wintermute appointed Ron Hammond as Head of Policy and Advocacy. Hammond brings nearly a decade of experience in crypto and financial policy, having served as Senior Director of Government Relations at the Blockchain Association. Notably, during his time on Capitol Hill, he authored the influential Token Taxonomy Act, aimed at providing clarity around digital assets in the U.S. regulatory framework.
Strategic Policy Push in a Shifting Regulatory Climate
Wintermute’s expansion comes at a pivotal moment for the crypto industry. Regulatory sentiment in the U.S. appears to be softening, especially under the Trump administration, which has expressed openness to fostering blockchain innovation. Hammond will lead Wintermute’s outreach to regulators and lawmakers at both the federal and state levels, including key engagements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
“With the regulatory climate in the U.S. becoming more constructive, we see tremendous opportunity to foster responsible innovation,” said Hammond in the official announcement.
Wintermute is positioning itself as a proactive participant in the evolving conversation around digital asset regulation, aiming to influence policy that balances innovation with investor protection.
Supporting U.S. Partners and Building a Local Team
Evgeny Gaevoy, CEO of Wintermute, stated that the new office will help the firm support U.S.-based partners more effectively, particularly in delivering localized over-the-counter (OTC) services. Emphasizing a “policy-neutral” stance, Gaevoy confirmed that Wintermute will continue expanding its U.S. team, with plans to hire five to ten additional staff as part of its 130-person global workforce.
This U.S. move follows the firm’s expansion into Asia through a Singapore office launched in late 2024. The dual presence in New York and Singapore highlights Wintermute’s commitment to scaling operations in major global financial centers.
Liquidity Giant Poised for Greater Influence
Wintermute is one of the most active liquidity providers in the crypto space, reportedly executing over $15 billion in daily trading volume across more than 60 centralized and decentralized exchanges. With its deep market reach and increasing global footprint, the firm is well-positioned to help shape the future of digital asset infrastructure and regulation.
Wintermute’s entry into the U.S. market, backed by a high-profile policy hire and a New York hub, marks a critical milestone in its global strategy. As regulatory clarity improves, the company aims to play a leading role in the U.S. digital asset ecosystem by bridging policy, innovation, and liquidity at scale.
