OKX Sees More Legal Shakeups as Global General Counsel Departs

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX is undergoing further restructuring in its top legal and compliance leadership. Melissa Muehlfeld, who served as the firm’s global general counsel, has exited the company. Muehlfeld initially joined OKX’s U.S. arm, OKcoin, in May 2022 as deputy general counsel and was promoted to the global role in August 2024.

Her departure comes amid ongoing changes following OKX’s $500 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year. In the wake of that settlement, the exchange has replaced key figures in its legal and compliance teams. Chief legal officer Mauricio Beugelmans and head of compliance Vanessa Zhang both left the firm earlier in 2025.

To lead its legal overhaul, OKX appointed Linda Lacewell—former superintendent of the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS)—as its new chief legal officer. Sources familiar with the matter say Lacewell is spearheading a broad restructuring of the company's legal and compliance operations.

An OKX spokesperson declined to comment on personnel changes, stating, “As a matter of company policy, we do not comment on all people that join and/or depart the company.” Muehlfeld has not responded to requests for comment.

The departure of another high-ranking legal executive signals the ongoing transformation at OKX as it aims to reinforce its regulatory posture and compliance frameworks. With Lacewell’s regulatory background, the company appears focused on aligning more closely with U.S. financial authorities and restoring institutional confidence.

These leadership shifts could significantly shape OKX’s strategic direction, especially as global crypto firms face increasing regulatory scrutiny in major markets.