Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has named a pair of former government officials to take on new executive roles in its operations in Russia and the Ukraine.
The company announced the appointments this week, saying they were designed to “further develop and strengthen” Binance’s position in the two countries.
“Both globally and locally, we understand the importance of attracting leading specialists in the fields of GR [government relations], marketing and management to our team,” said Gleb Kostarev, director of Binance in Eastern Europe. “The new CEOs, with their proven track record, will certainly have a positive impact on Binance’s growing presence in Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe.”
Among the new appointees is Olga Goncharova, who becomes GR director in Russia and the CIS. A 20-year finance veteran, Goncharova spent the last seven years running the Department of Collection and Processing of Reports at the Bank of Russia.
“Having a deep understanding of Russian regulatory specifics, Olga has successfully implemented large-scale projects in this position,” Binance said. “At the Bank of Russia, Olga was responsible for several projects related to digital transformation and was at the forefront of the development of the fintech industry in 2014-2015.”
Read more: Russia Blacklists Binance Over Data Distribution
In 2020, a Russian telecom regulator put Binance on a blacklist for apparently “disseminating prohibited information,” for distributing data related to the acquisition of digital coins like Bitcoin. The blacklist has since been lifted.
Meanwhile in Ukraine, Kirill Khomyakov will take on the role of general manager after three years of serving as head of Ukraine’s State Agency for Infrastructure Projects. Khomyakov has worked in business development for Fiserv, Inc. and will be responsible for boosting Binance’s position in the local market, interacting with government and public agencies and launching a global market strategy.
Finally, Vladimir Smerkis has been appointed to the position of Binance Director in Russia. In addition to his experience in the crypto industry, Smerkis is a popular columnist, authority and host of several programs in Russian media.
See more: Binance Under Scrutiny in Alleged $100M Scam in Pakistan
The news came shortly after reports that Binance is in the middle of an investigation in Pakistan involving a scam that has stolen more than $100 million from investors.
The country’s Federal Investigation Agency says it has asked the general manager for Binance Pakistan to “explain his position on the linkage of fraudulent online investment mobile applications with Binance,” as the unit’s head, Imran Riaz, tweeted last week.
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