# Former Morgan Stanley exec joins Gemini crypto exchange

Major American cryptocurrency exchange Gemini is expanding the company’s business in the Asia-Pacific region with a new high-profile hire.

Andy Meehan, a former executive at major American investment bank Morgan Stanley, has joined Gemini as chief compliance officer of the APAC region.

Announcing the news on Oct. 7, Gemini executives noted that Meehan will work with regulators to promote smart regulations that drive adoption.

Formerly head of legal for Morgan Stanley’s global financial crimes division in the APAC, Meehan will now shape strategy, product and operations of Gemini in the region. The new Gemini CCO will be based in Singapore and report directly to Gemini’s new APAC managing director Jeremy Ng.

Gemini representatives told Cointelegraph that the APAC region continues to be a key priority for the company, as it applied for a license with the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the 2019 Payment Services Act earlier this year.

Gemini’s focus on Southeast Asia follows significant regulatory developments in Singapore. Cameron Winklevoss, president and co-founder of Gemini, has previously welcomed the progress in local crypto regulations, claiming that the MAS developed “thoughtful regulation that is paving the way for further adoption and innovation.”

Gemini is expanding into new jurisdictions globally, having launched services in the United Kingdom in late September 2020.