Ripple is refocusing its hiring strategy in the US after years of moving operations offshore due to regulatory uncertainty.
The shift comes amid a more favourable regulatory landscape, with the company now directing its recruitment efforts back to the US.
In an interview with CNBC, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, revealed that 75% of Ripple’s hiring efforts, which had previously been focused offshore, are now being redirected back to the US post-election.
This move signals growing confidence that the country is reclaiming its position as a global hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation.
The hiring reversal follows years of strained relations between the crypto industry and US regulators, particularly under the previous administration, which took a hardline stance on digital assets.
Ripple’s return to onshore hiring coincides with ongoing legal battles with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Despite the prolonged litigation, Ripple executives believe the changing regulatory climate could mark the beginning of a more constructive relationship between the crypto sector and government authorities.
Crypto reforms boost confidence
The shift in Ripple’s hiring strategy is largely influenced by broader regulatory developments in the US.
Federal policymakers have made key moves to redefine the country’s stance on digital assets, including an executive order aimed at clarifying crypto regulations.
The order sets out a framework for fostering innovation while addressing financial risks, with a strong focus on maintaining the US’s competitive edge in blockchain technology.
David Sacks, recently appointed as the administration’s “crypto czar,” has been tasked with overhauling outdated policies and streamlining compliance requirements for blockchain firms.
His role includes coordinating with financial regulators to establish clear guidelines for crypto businesses, an effort that Ripple and other industry leaders see as a much-needed step towards regulatory certainty.
Meanwhile, SEC acting chair Mark Uyeda has acknowledged past regulatory confusion and signalled a shift towards more transparent oversight.
Ripple executives interpret these changes as a sign that US authorities are moving away from restrictive policies that previously drove many crypto firms to relocate operations abroad.
The company is positioning itself to take advantage of the new regulatory clarity, particularly as institutional interest in crypto assets continues to grow.
SEC case enters critical phase
While Ripple is optimistic about US regulatory reforms, its legal dispute with the SEC remains a key concern.
The case, which has dragged on for four years, centres around the SEC’s claim that Ripple’s XRP token constitutes an unregistered security.
A resolution could have significant implications for the broader crypto industry, as it may set a precedent for how digital assets are classified and regulated in the US.
Despite the prolonged legal uncertainty, Ripple’s hiring expansion in the US suggests confidence in an eventual resolution.
The company’s decision to bring jobs back onshore indicates a belief that the US will emerge as a more crypto-friendly jurisdiction in the coming years.
The outcome of the SEC lawsuit could further reinforce this trend, potentially encouraging other blockchain firms to reconsider their US operations.
The post Ripple redirects 75% of hiring back to US post-election, says chief legal officer appeared first on Invezz
